Long-lasting, energy-efficient, and beautiful – double hung windows are much more than just a commodity. They offer many benefits for homeowners looking for a stylish and functional window. But what are single hung windows anyway?
Whether your home has single or double hung windows, you can still enjoy all the benefits of energy efficiency. Single hung windows were historically the most common type of window installed in homes because they were cheaper to manufacture but did not provide as much ventilation as a double hung window. But those days are over.
Single Hung Windows
Because the sash of a single hung window stays in place and only the top half of the window opens, there is less air flow in a single hung window than a double. This can be desirable if you want to hang something on your wall or want to deter pests like birds from entering your home. However, if you live in an area with very warm summers or cold winters and simply want more ventilation, you may benefit from going with a double hung window.
One important thing to consider with single hung windows is that they are more difficult to replace than double hungs. Think of it this way – double hungs have simple hinges, while single hungs have complex hinges. The complex hinges on single hung windows can be a blessing and a curse. On the upside, they are durable and reliable. This can come in handy if you want to install solar screens or wish to hang something on the window itself. But the complexity does make them harder to replace.
The one big drawback that singles hang windows suffer from is their inability to open as wide as double hungs. Depending on which style of single hung window you have, some may be able to open even less than others. For example, some may only open 35 to 45 degrees while others may be able to open 55 to 70 degrees. With just one or two windows in your home you probably won’t feel this drawback. But if you have more than that it can become a real hassle.
Ultimately, a single hung window is a great choice for those who are looking for more light control or cute ways to decorate their windows. If you are interested in going with this kind of window, be sure that you know how wide the windows will be before you start shopping for them and don’t let yourself get stuck with mismatched windows that won’t look right together.
Double Hung Windows
First of all, a double hung window is considered a single-pane window. So it’s not “double hung.” In addition, a double hung window is made up of TWO panes – one that opens and one that doesn’t. The opening in the middle of the window is what goes up and down while the bottom portion stays in place. This means that every opening on your double hung window will be different, so you can’t pick one and say “This size looks best!” or “This one is cheaper!” Instead, you will simply have to choose based on how much ventilation you want and how easily you want to close it.
Double hung windows are particularly valuable in that they can be opened to varying degrees, unlike single hungs. In fact, many double hung windows are able to open all the way (from top to bottom) and do not require the sashes to be removed like most single hungs. That’s a BIG bonus on hot summer days when you want fresh air or on cold days in the winter when you want to keep out the cold air.
A double hung window can be more expensive than a single hung window. The opening mechanism is more complex, so the price will also almost always be higher – especially if you want to hang something on your window. However, this isn’t always the case. One amazing thing about double hung windows is that they are actually cheaper to replace when you lose them than single hungs are. The sash must be removed from the frame and replaced with a new one, but this is rather easy to do for most people and doesn’t really warrant much of a cost increase in most cases. That being said, if you’re a frequent window replacement user (like me!), definitely consider investing in a high quality product that lasts longer.
Conclusion
Overall, a double hung window may or may not be the best option for you and your home. If you live in a warm climate or in an area with a lot of insects, get yourself single hung windows. If you want to be able to open your windows when the weather is nice (if it ever gets nice where you live!) get yourself some double hung windows! No matter what kind of window you have, be sure to always keep them well-maintained so they can last as long as possible.