Unlike single pane windows, double pane windows feature two sheets or “panes” of glass with an argon gas fill in between. This argon gas helps to insulate your home and reduce energy bills.
Today’s round windows offer design and functionality that can add value to your home. They come in a wide variety of colors and frames made from vinyl, aluminum-clad wood or composite materials.
Increased Energy Efficiency
If you live in a warmer climate, a double pane window with a Low E glass and Argon gas can significantly reduce air conditioning loads. They also have a lower solar heat gain coefficient which means they allow less of the sun’s rays to penetrate into your home.
According to the experts, drafty windows account for 25 percent of energy loss in an average American home. That amount of wasted energy equates to high heating and cooling costs for homeowners and is bad news for the environment.
However, with a Birmingham home window company that uses fusion-welded frames and sashes, double-paned windows offer improved insulation against outside temperatures and noise pollution. You will notice a difference in your power bills with reduced energy usage and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. While the cost of new windows will vary based on the size and other unique factors of your home, it is usually a very reasonable investment.
Lower Noise Pollution
Double pane windows are an energy-efficient upgrade for your home. They reduce temperature fluctuations, which in turn lowers the use of heating and cooling systems. This leads to a lower energy bill for you and a more sustainable lifestyle for the environment.
Double pane windows have two glass panes separated by a layer of insulating gas, typically argon or krypton. The combination of the insulating gas and Low-E coating significantly reduces heat transfer between the two panes.
The insulated glass also helps mitigate noise pollution from outside. This can be a big benefit if you live near a busy road, construction site or noisy neighbors.
Increased Home Value
Having double-pane windows in your home can improve your property value. These windows can also prevent condensation that can damage a home’s interior and promote mold growth. They are also more efficient than single-pane windows because they have a better thermal break.
Ensure that the window installation company is licensed by the state of Alabama and has a solid reputation for quality work. In addition, pay attention to the frame material that an installer uses, as it has a big impact on price, energy efficiency and lifespan.
Look for frames made of aluminum, composite or wood. The latter is generally more expensive than aluminum, but it’s an excellent choice for reducing condensation. Additionally, consider a window that’s filled with argon or krypton gas to provide an even more effective barrier against heat transfer and air loss. You can also opt for spectrally selective low-E glass, which helps reduce solar heat gain and lower your summer energy costs.
Defog Options
Double pane windows (and triple pane) are factory-sealed with two or more panes of glass separated by a layer of hermetically sealed air. Known in the industry as insulated glass units, or IGUs, these windows offer far greater energy efficiency than single pane windows. Some IGUs are also filled with inert gases, like argon and krypton, which further boost insulation.
Unfortunately, these sealed systems can cause issues with moisture buildup that manifests as fog in the window. Fortunately, there are several options for dealing with foggy windows short of complete replacement of the IGU and sash.
One option is defogging, in which a repair specialist drills holes in the window to expel the trapped moisture. The process can take a few days to fully complete, but it provides a significantly cheaper solution than replacing an entire IGU. It can also be performed on a per-window basis, making it an appealing option for many homeowners. This method, however, does not restore the IGU’s original R-value.