Choosing the right window replacements for your home and lifestyle can be more difficult than most homeowners realize.
To make sure you’re getting a good deal and the right type of window for your home, consider factors like style, comfort, quality, and efficiency.
Choosing between double or single pane glass can make a huge difference in your energy costs, as well as the style and comfort of your home.
Single or Double Pane Windows – What’s The Difference?
Single pane windows are pretty much what they sound like – windows made with a single pane or layer of glass. The main advantage of single pane windows is that they are less costly than double pane windows, but they won’t do much to keep out noise or seasonal temperatures.
They can be perfectly adequate if you live in a quiet neighborhood in a consistent year-round climate.
If you don’t, you’ll have to decide whether you prefer the initial low cost over long-term higher electricity bills.
Up to 30% of energy loss in your home occurs through your windows, so your bills can really mount up over time.
Double pane windows are made with two panes of glass fitted into a frame and separated by an air-filled or gas-filled space. The air space traps heat or cold, and stops it from getting into or out of your home, as well as reducing noise.
Double pane window replacement costs are higher than single pane windows, because they use more materials and are more complicated to install. The savings over time can offset your installation costs, however – and double panes will increase your home’s value as well.
Pros and Cons of Double Pane Window Replacements
Double paned windows help to lower your environmental footprint, amongst other major advantages – but they can come with a few drawbacks as well.
Pros
Energy efficiency: Double pane replacement windows cost more than single pane windows, but they can substantially reduce your energy bills.
A double paned vinyl or wood-framed window can reduce your energy usage by up to 24 percent in cold climates during the winter, and by up to 18 percent in hot climates during the summer.
Thermal windows: Thermal windows are double paned windows with a gas-filled sealed space between the panes, instead of air.
This can slow the transfer of heat through the window even more, and prevent water condensation on the inside of the glass panes.
Environmental benefits: Reduced energy use doesn’t just mean you can save money, it also means your home is using less fossil fuel, and emitting less greenhouse gases.
Noise reduction: Double-paned replacement windows can significantly reduce noise pollution from outdoors.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet in a busy urban environment, this can really help you find it!
Cons
Price: Double pane replacement window costs are higher than single pane windows, so homeowners on a budget might not want the extra expense.
Number of windows: The energy savings that you gain from double paned windows are only worthwhile if you replace a number of windows in your home. If you only replace one or two windows, the others might still allow heat or cool air to escape from the house.
Quality: If you buy a lower quality product, the seals could fail, and you’ll lose the benefits of the double pane system. A good product that’s installed by a professional is necessary to get the most out of your window replacements.
How To Get The Best Double Pane Window Replacement Prices
There are a few ways you can make sure you get the best possible prices for good double pane windows.
Get at least 3 estimates from different companies before making your decision. Most reputable contractors will give you a free estimate. You should expect the prices to fluctuate between various companies.
If you ask for quotes in late fall or early winter, you could get some impressive discounts. Window contractors have a “down” season at that time, and they’ll be more enthusiastic about getting your business!
Don’t be shy about negotiating better prices for your double pane window replacements with your local dealers. They are more likely to give you special prices than big national companies.
Always add about 10% to the quotes you get, just to make sure you’re covered for things like difficult window configurations, complex roof installations, and other contingencies.
Window Replacements Costs
There are a few factors that can affect the price of your replacement windows, such as the size and quality of the product. Thermal windows or Low-E windows will cost more than plain glass with air spaces between the panes.
Here is an overview of average double pane window replacement costs.
| Basic | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Prices | $120 - $150 | $180- $216 | $276 - $336 |
| Installation Cost | $150 - $168 | $192 - $222 | $240 - $270 |
| Total | $270 - $318 | $372 - $438 | $516 - $606 |
| Average Cost per sq f | $2.45 | $3.38 | $4.67 |
Conclusion
With any replacement windows, what you get is what you pay for.
Double pane windows are going to cost you more than single paned, but you can reap the benefits in terms of comfort and energy savings.
Make sure your windows are installed correctly, and you shouldn’t have problems.