Single Hung vs Double Hung Windows: Why Double Hung is the Best Choice
The decision to buy new windows can be a big one for homeowners. The cost alone makes it an important decision, and there are many factors that one has to consider. Windows are so important because they impact numerous elements of the house – aesthetics, ventilation and lighting to name a few.
They add visual appeal and can make or break a room. They also are important for ventilation and natural light. Finally, buying the right windows can help with lowering your energy bills if you opt for energy-efficient ones.
All in all, you want to make sure that you purchase the best windows for you. That’s why you should always opt for double hung windows over single hung windows. Read on to find out why double hung windows are always the best choice.
Types of Windows
There are many different types of windows that homeowners can buy. One of the most common windows is the double-hung window. It’s made with two window sashes, and both can move up and down.
They also may be able to both tilt inwards your home for easy cleaning. A single hung window has two sashes but only one sash is able to move. The other sash is fixed. The sash that can move usually moves up and down (vertically), which results in the fixed sash blocking part of the one that can move.
In addition to single and double hung windows, there are also casement windows, which act like a door. Much like a door opens up on the hinges, a casement window can open up by cranking a lever. Other options are awning windows, which are like casement windows but they run horizontally.
Some people opt for a single hung window because they find the cheaper price appealing. In fact, single hung windows can run almost 10% to 20% cheaper.
However, if you consider all of the positive aspects of a double hung, it makes sense to opt for the double hung, even with their higher price.
Double Hung Windows Allow for Better Ventilation
It’s important to think about ventilation in a home for a few reasons. First, with no ventilation, mold and mildew can easily grow, especially in certain rooms. The kitchen and the bathroom, for example, need to have ventilation since these rooms can get hot and humid.
The increase in temperature from taking a shower or from cooking dinner can be dangerous; once the warm air cools, condensation can form. If not taken care of, that condensation then can lead to the growth of mold spores.
It’s Easier to Clean Double Hung Windows
It’s much easier to clean a double hung window than it is a single hung window. This is mostly due to the positioning of the window. The single hung window that has a stationary part will require you to go outside to clean the other side of the window.
On the other hand, the double hung window will allow you to clean both parts of it from inside. Since the single hung window may be positioned on the house in such a way that you have to go outside to clean it, you may need to hire a professional window cleaning service a few times a year. Obviously, that kind of cost can quickly add up.
This may come as a surprise, but the ability to clean the window is very important for numerous reasons. For one, the cleanliness of the window influences the visual appeal of it. When you look at a room, the clarity of the windows makes a difference on how you see the room.
Nice clean windows will certainly boost the aesthetic appeal. Second, in certain rooms, windows need to be wiped down on a somewhat regular basis. In the kitchen, for example, windows can easily gather moisture. The hot air that cools leads to condensation, and if it’s not wiped down, mold can grow.
Similarly, in the bathroom, windows should be wiped down somewhat regularly. Window seal failure will result if the moisture continually gathers.
Double Hung Windows Add to Your Home Value
One other reason to opt for double hung windows is that having them will help to boost your home value. When it’s time to put your house on the market, buyers will be attracted by the fact that the windows are all double hung.
Window Air Conditioners Can Be More Easily Installed
With a double hung window, since you can move both sashes up and down, you can more easily fit an air conditioner. Given that air conditioners can come in a variety of sizes and styles, it can be hard to know exactly which one to get.
With a single hung window, you don’t have the same flexibility. If you don’t have central air conditioning, a double hung window is the way to go.
They Can Be Weather Resistant
There are companies that offer special types of double hung windows. Weather resistance windows are a popular option for anyone living in an area with harsh weather. For example, snow and rain can impact a window and reduce the length of time the window will last.
Many companies specialize in offering energy-efficient glass on double hung windows. With single hung windows, the options are fewer than for double hung. While the cost at first will be more expensive, the money you’ll save in heating and cooling will definitely pay off in the long run.
If you do go with weather resistant windows, it’s a great selling point for buyers when you put your house on the market.
Double Hung Windows Are the Way to Go
The choice of which window to buy can be a hard one. With the right research, you can choose the best windows for your home, which are almost always double hung windows. Whereas single hung windows are cheap, double hung windows are easier to clean, which will allow the window to last longer.
They are also better for ventilation since they let more air flow naturally. For people with air conditioning units, double hung is an easier option. They’re also more versatile and come in a variety of energy-efficient options. The choice is easy: always go for double hung windows.
With a variety of style and color options for double hung windows, Feldco knows what’s important in any double hung window – including energy efficiency to help reduce your heating and cooling bills year round. If you’d like to experience the Feldco window difference yourself, get a free quote.
