Double pane windows consist of two panes of glass separated by a space filled with air. This air provides a thermal protection barrier and helps lower energy costs.
Some double pane windows are also insulated with argon or krypton gas, which further lowers your energy costs. Other options include Low-E coatings and foam in the frame.
Energy Efficiency
Whether you are building your new home or replacing the windows in your existing one, there are many options available. These include single pane, double-pane and triple-pane windows. Each has its own set of benefits and costs.
In general, double-pane windows are more energy efficient than single-pane windows. Two glass layers help to insulate the window and stunt heat transfer between your home and the outdoors. You can also choose to add argon or krypton gas between the glass to improve efficiency even more.
However, these choices will impact the price of your window. The frame material also plays a role in the overall cost of your window as well. Aluminum frames are the most affordable, while composite and fiberglass frames are more costly. Some regions require hurricane rated windows which will provide additional protection against windborne debris. This type of window is more expensive than a standard double-pane window, but it can save you money in the long run on energy costs.
Increased Home Value
The two sheets of glass in double pane windows provide superior insulation over single pane window types. They also reduce condensation, which can be harmful to wooden surfaces and furniture in a home. Double pane windows also offer greater energy savings than single pane windows. They create a strong barrier that blocks the transfer of heat from outside to inside your home, resulting in lowered energy bills.
With double pane windows, you no longer need storm windows to protect your home from extreme winter or summer air temperatures. This eliminates the hassle of removing and putting back up these additional windows each spring and fall.
The space between the two panes of glass in a double-pane window is typically filled with air or, for a more efficient design, argon gas. Argon is a clear, odorless gas that slows the transfer of heat to and from your home. This significantly lowers your energy costs. This will increase your home value, as well as make it more comfortable to live in.
Reduced Noise
In addition to energy efficiency, double pane windows provide superior insulation compared to single-pane windows. They allow you to retain more heat in winter and keep your home cool in summer by blocking the outside air and letting conditioned air in.
The two sheets of glass stacked together have a small pocket of air or another insulating material between them, such as argon or Krypton gas. This helps to slow the transfer of heat between the windows and prevents outside temperatures from affecting your interior climate.
With these benefits in mind, double pane windows are quickly becoming the standard for homes. And the best part is that you can get them at a more affordable cost than single-pane windows, especially if you choose to have them installed in combination with impact resistant glass. This offers you hassle-free hurricane protection and additional energy efficiency to help reduce your power bills. You can even opt for laminated impact glass that withstands debris from storms, and meets Miami-Dade and American Architectural Manufacturers Association standards for hurricane resistance.
Better Comfort
Double pane windows provide a higher level of insulation than single-pane windows. This helps to lower energy bills while also making your home more comfortable year-round.
They also allow for less fluctuation in indoor temperatures, which is especially beneficial if you live somewhere with extreme seasonal changes. Less temperature variation means less use of your air conditioner which, in turn, results in further energy savings.
The gap between the two panes of glass in a double-pane window is usually filled with an inert gas, such as argon, krypton, or xenon. These gases stunt heat transfer which makes your windows more efficient.
If you’re interested in purchasing new double-pane impact windows for your home, contact a company that offers a wide range of styles and materials. Be sure to only purchase quality windows. Low-quality windows may show signs of condensation or leaks between the panes which negates any intended energy savings. A good way to test the quality of a double-pane window is to hold up an object against it until you see a reflection.