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If the windows on your Indianapolis homeare more than a few decades old, there is a good chance they feature a single pane of glass. While single-pane windows used to be popular, they are no longer the smartest choice for homeowners. Double-pane windows, which feature two panes of glass, are a much more energy-efficient window choice. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of upgrading to double-pane glass and why these windows are such good insulators.
People sometimes confuse double-pane windows with double-hung windows. However, “double-hung” refers to a style of window in which two sashes are mounted, on top of the other, inside a single window frame. You can open such a window by sliding the top sash down or by sliding the bottom sash up. The term “double-pane” refers to the glass placed within the sash. In a single-pane windows, there is a single sheet of glass in each sash. In a double-pane window, there are two sheets of glass, separated only by a thin layer of air. You may sometimes see double-pane windows sold as “dual-pane” windows, too.
You might figure that double-pane windows provide twice the insulating value of single-pane windows since the heat would have to pass through one layer of glass instead of two. However, they’re actually more than twice as insulating! This is because the layer of air between the two panes of glass acts as a heat barrier, preventing a lot of heat from passing through it. Air is a much better insulator than standard glass, so thanks to this air, double-pane windows are much more insulating than single-pane windows.
In the summer, this increased insulating value means your Indianapolis home stays cooler without so much input from your air conditioner. In the fall and winter, the reduced heat loss from windows takes the burden off your furnace and also prevents those chilly drafts you hate waking up to in the morning. You can look forward to year-round energy savings with double-pane, energy-efficient windows.
While any double-hung window will be a step up from single-pane glass, there are a few key features to look for when you’re seeking truly efficient windows. Low-e glass, likeAndersen’s SmartSun™ glass, is a special type of glass designed to reflect most of the heat waves that hit it. In the winter, it reflects heat back inward, which keeps your home warmer. In the summer, it reflects heat from the sun back outside, keeping your home cool.
Another option to consider is the sash material that surrounds the dual-pane glass. Vinyl replacement windows have become very popular, but vinyl itself is not as good of an insulator as wood composite materials, like Fibrex® from Renewal by Andersen. Not only does Fibrex directly block heat transfer, but it also resists peeling, chipping, warping and bending as it ages, so you do not have to worry about air seeping around the window glass.
If you have older, single-pane windows on your Indianapolis home, make this the year you upgrade. New, double-pane windows will save you a bundle on energy, especially when you choose low-e coatings and a high-quality sash material. Schedule a free, in-home consultation with Renewal by Andersen today. Our estimates are good for one year.