Which is More Energy Efficient: Single-Hung or Double-Hung Windows? 

If you’re a homeowner in the Cincinnati or Dayton area who is looking for new windows, energy efficiency is sure to be a priority. There are plenty of factors that play a role in making a window energy efficient, and it’s important to look for those properties in any windows you’re considering for your home. As you do your research, you may find yourself wondering if some window styles lend themselves to better energy efficiency than others. In particular, you might be comparing two of the most popular traditional window styles: single-hung and double-hung windows. So, which is more energy efficient? Let Universal Windows Direct of Dayton help guide you through the answer. 

Why Energy-Efficient Windows Are So Important for Your Home 

When you’re in the process of improving the energy efficiency of your home, your windows are one of the most important aspects to address. After all, leaky windows can be highly damaging to your home’s energy performance, as it can allow warm air to escape in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer. Not only does that make operation more difficult for your HVAC system, but it can negatively impact your comfort and drastically elevate your monthly energy costs.  

However, when you invest in energy-efficient windows that are designed to limit heat transfer and provide top-notch insulation, you can trust that your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a consistently comfortable temperature inside your home. That means you can more easily enjoy cozy warmth in the winter and relaxing coolness in the summer. It can also mean paying less on your heating and cooling costs each month. 

The Energy-Efficient Properties of Single-Hung Windows  

When it comes to single-hung windows, their design itself is relatively good for energy efficiency. With only one sash that moves, there is one less moving part and can limit the potential for air leakage. With a tighter seal, you’re at less of a risk of air escaping your home. Not only that, but with a lessened risk of that seal wearing over time, you can rely on these windows and their individual components to provide exceptional performance for a longer period of time.  

The downside with single-hung windows, though, is that they’re more traditional and as a result, come equipped with more outdated technology. With the lack of advanced technology, the energy efficiency potential of these windows can be limited. In other words, the positives regarding their design can ultimately be undermined by the lack of supporting features. 

The Energy-Efficient Properties of Double-Hung Windows  

While having two operable sashes doubles the risk of air leakage compared to single-hung windows, double-hung windows are still known to provide a high level of energy efficiency. Part of the reason for that is that with two moveable sashes, you’ll be able to increase airflow and reduce the need for cooling when the weather outside is warm. Having that natural breeze blow through your home can take some strain off your HVAC.  

Beyond that, though, there’s the fact that today’s double-hung windows often come packed with technological advancements that contribute to better energy efficiency. Dual weatherstripping, low-E glass, and gas-filled panes are common with these windows, which makes for better performance.  

The Team to Turn to for Energy-Efficient Double-Hung Windows  

If you’ve decided to go with the energy efficiency potential of the more advanced double-hung window style, turning to Universal Windows Direct of Dayton is the best decision you can make. After all, the double-hung vinyl windows we install are exceptionally energy efficient thanks in large part to their advanced features like low-E coatings, multi-pane glass packages, and insulated frames. Not only that, but the design of our double-hung windows is advanced, as it includes:  

• Tight latches to give the window smoother operation and better energy performance 

• Sash limit locks, which allow for partial opening and provide security and protection against intruders 

• Grooves in the bottom of the sash for the vinyl inner sill dam to lock into, creating a tight seal that also helps limit air leakage 

• Extruded lift rail that is part of the sash rather than a separate component 

• Cam-style locks that pull the sashes together for a weather-proof seal that also enhances security 

So, if you find that these double-hung windows are the right choice for your home in terms of energy efficiency, security, and visual appeal, we’d be happy to make the project happen.  

Invest in New Double-Hung Windows Today 

For more information on the energy efficiency features of our double-hung windows or to schedule a consultation so that you can get your project started, contact Universal Windows Direct of Dayton today.