Still Have Single-Pane Windows? Here’s What to Know

At one time, windows in older homes were all single-pane, which means they had a single sheet of glass in the sash. Though fraught with issues, single-pane windows were the best option available at the time. However, windows have changed over the years, and double-paned, insulated windows dramatically increase energy efficiency. 

If your home has single-pane windows, you could be spending a lot of extra dollars on utility bills each year. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between single-pane windows and Renewal by Andersen’s dual-pane insulated windows.

Are Single-Pane Windows Bad?

While these windows aren’t categorically bad, dual- and triple-pane windows have better construction and deliver superior results. When considering single-pane window replacement, keep these potential issues in mind:

Single-Pane Windows Can Cause Fading and Weathering

Single-pane windows do little to block UV rays from entering the home. Over time, this can cause your furniture, upholstery, carpets and flooring to fade.

Single-Pane Windows Reduce Your Home’s Property Value

Many home buyers are deterred by homes with old systems like single-pane windows because they know they will incur larger heating and air conditioning bills. The presence of single-pane windows can reduce a home’s property value and make it harder to sell.

Are Single-Pane Windows Energy-Efficient?

No, they aren’t. They’re drafty and allow energy transfer between your home’s interior and exterior. This places a burden on your home’s heating and air conditioning systems and makes temperature control very difficult, especially at times of year when the weather outside is very cold or very hot.

How Can You Tell If You Have Single-Pane Windows?

Single-pane windows are relatively easy to distinguish from their dual or triple-pane counterparts. Some of the easiest ways to find out include:

• Visual inspection: Most homeowners can tell they have single-pane windows just by looking at them. Look at the edge where the glass meets the frame. On a single-pane window, you’ll see only one pane of glass. A dual-pane window will also have a visible gap or spacer between the two sheets of glass.
• Flame test: Light a match at night and briefly hold it about an inch or two from the window, keeping it away from flammable objects and surfaces. A single-pane window will reflect a single flame. A double-pane window will reflect two flames.
• Touch test: If you can, place a finger from each side on alternate sides of the window – one inside, one outside. If your fingers have a visible gap between them, it’s a dual-pane window. If your fingers seem really close together, it’s a single-pane window.

Another element to consider is your home’s age. If your home was built before the 1970s, it almost definitely has a single-pane window. If construction occurred between the ’70s and ’80s, it may have either single or dual-pane windows. Anything built after that should have dual panes.

Are Single-Pane Windows Worth Replacing?

It’s definitely worth replacing your home’s single-pane windows. While more traditional windows are okay for temperate regions, multipane windows offer some significant benefits. When you buy a high-quality insulated window, you access:

• Energy savings: According to the U.S. ENERGY STAR program, homeowners can save up to $300 or more on their utility bills by replacing their single-pane windows with insulating dual-pane windows.
• Noise dampening: While they’re not fully soundproof, dual-pane windows have a sound-dampening effect, thanks to the inert gas, usually argon, between the glass panes.

• Increased value: Because double-pane windows have better thermal efficiency and offer secondary benefits, they can make properties more appealing to potential buyers and increase property value.
• UV protection: Dual-pane windows offer improved protection against UV rays, reducing the likelihood of fading and weathering to increase your furniture’s lifespan.

These are just a few of the many benefits of dual-pane windows. They’re revolutionary in improving your home’s thermal and energy efficiency while reducing the amount of noise entering it.

Dual or Triple-Pane Windows: Which Is Better?

Dual and triple-pane windows are the modern solution to the problems presented by single-pane windows. Both window types have been available to homeowners and business owners for many years. Extra panes of glass add air or gas-filled spaces that reduce heat and cold transfer to keep houses comfortable inside year-round. Renewal by Andersen^® windows are filled with inert argon gas to provide more insulation.

Dual-pane windows are the most common form of window because they’re lighter and more affordable than triple-pane windows. Triple-pane windows, though heavier, offer the best energy efficiency. However, these are rarely needed in moderate climates. 

The added expense of triple-pane windows is rarely, if ever, recovered in our climate. To choose the best window type, start by meeting with a replacement window consultant.

• Stop by a showroom to test their functionality and observe their appearance.
• Get quotes from your window retailer of choice. If you’re trying to decide between dual and triple-pane windows, get quotes for both.
• Make a budget and compare your budget to the quotes from your installer. Use this information to make your decision.

Why Window Quality Matters

Whether you choose a dual or triple-pane window, quality matters. To ensure peak performance, the gap between the two glass panes must have a tight seal to prevent air and moisture from entering the space. The construction of a lower-quality window is often less effective, leading to degraded or broken seals.

Broken or leaky seals allow air and moisture between the panes, which is why your windows look foggy. To prevent this, choose high-quality dual-pane windows with proven spacers and sealants that are covered under a good warranty and built to last.

Dual-pane windows from Renewal by Andersen are covered by a comprehensive 20-year warranty. For several years in a row, our windows were named ENERGY STAR partner of the year. The window frames are built from Fibrex^® material, which is low-maintenance and stronger than vinyl. They don’t warp or bend with time, so the seal will stay good for years to come.

Ready to Replace Your Single-Pane Windows? Contact Us

Single-pane windows waste energy and can cause temperature fluctuations indoors, making your home uncomfortable. Our argon-gas-filled dual-pane windows are stronger, longer-lasting and virtually maintenance-free. Contact Renewal by Andersen to get a quote for new window replacement.