What is the difference between single or double pane windows?

[hossrn]

I am asking because I don't know and we are going to be investing in new windows and doors for our house this summer. Is one more efficient than the other?

I would like to be able to open them if I want in the summer. I don't know if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance, Hoss.

 

[383 240z]

Do you mean single pane, or single hung? Single pane means just a single pane of glass between you and the outside. Very cheap, don't think you can even buy them for residential use. Double pane, means 2 layers of glass with an inert gas or vacuum between them as a thermal break.

Single hung means only one sash can be moved usually the lower, double hung means you can raise the bottom sash, or lower the top one to open the window. Keith

 

[JoeFin]

Between Dual pain windows, replacing the shake siding with T-11, and upgrading the wall and attic insulation my electric bill (AC only heat is gas) went from $260 - 275 per month to $100 - 125 per month

But the house is "So much quitter" now. I hardly notice my dipwad neighbor at all anymore

 

[jameswilson]

Double hung windows are about 30 percent more expensive than single hung windows. What I like about double hung is that they tilt so you can clean them easily. You might want to read a few Champion Window reviews - we got all our windows installed by them and they gave us a good discount, great warranty.