Old or outdated windows can double your energy bills. Further, these windows may require frequent maintenance just to survive. These days, a wide variety of windows are available to spruce up the looks of any home interior.
However, it can be somewhat difficult to choose the best option. For instance, single hung vs double hung windows can easily confuse many. But don’t worry, this blog is all about the differences between these two window options. So, let us get into it!
Table of Contents Show
What are Single Hung Windows?
Single hung windows are the most common type of house windows. These windows only have a moveable bottom sash.
So, you can open it from the bottom sash. The upper sash remains fixed. Also known as sash windows, single hung windows are ideal for homes located in colder regions.
What are Double Hung Windows?
Double hung windows are best known for enhanced ventilation. That’s because both the window sashes are moveable. So, homeowners can easily open both window sashes to let maximum air pass through.
These windows are ideal for hotter regions. Homeowners can opt for nearly any type of glass for these windows. Double hung windows can be double-glazed as well. The additional insulation layer of double pane glass is an added bonus here. So, you can also opt for double pane glass panels for maximum energy efficiency.
Single Hung Vs Double Hung Windows – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Different Aspects | Single Hung Windows | Double Hung Windows |
| Cleaning | Single hung windows can be challenging to clean and maintain. | Double hung windows are easier to clean on a regular basis. |
| Installation Cost | Around 10% cheaper than double hung windows. Their installation costs vary from $250 to $500. | A double hung window costs around $600 to $1000. |
| Ventilation | Poor ventilation because only one sash operates | Double hung windows offer better ventilation. |
| Styling | Nothing fancy here to offer in terms of styling. | Apart from choosing the glass, there isn’t anything to customize for better styling. |
| Maintenance Cost | No additional maintenance cost. | No additional maintenance cost. |
1: Ventilation
Both these windows aren’t the same when it comes to ventilation. Here, single hung windows may disappoint you as their sash is fixed. So, the fresh air can only pass through one sash.
On the other hand, double hung windows are perfect for letting maximum fresh and cold air pass through the window. So, double hung windows offer better air circulation.
2: Energy Efficiency
Here, single hung windows take the lead. That’s because their opening and closing mechanism doesn’t let maximum air pass through the window. So, in winter or summer, you can block the flow of cold and hot air as per your liking. This would likely put less burden on your HVAC system resulting in reduced energy bills.
The scenario is totally opposite for the double hung windows. They may not be an ideal option if you want to save some cost on energy bills.
3: Maintenance Factor
Double hung windows are easier to clean and maintain. Basically, they have tilt sashes. So, homeowners can tilt them inwards or outwards to clean the window glass. This is especially handy for folks who live on the upper floor of a house or commercial property.
Of course, you can keep single hung windows clean as well. However, cleaning them from the outside can be challenging since only one sash is moveable.
4: Safety
For better safety, homeowners must lock double hung windows properly. The same is the case with single hung windows; if they aren’t locked, children may open them unnecessarily. That’s the only safety risk here.
If we talk about the safety of the glass, there isn’t anything to worry about. That’s because safety standard glass, like tempered glass panels, is mostly used for manufacturing these windows.
The safety standard glass, such as toughened glass, doesn’t shatter into tiny pieces upon an impact. Further, it is tough to break and comes with a scratch-resistant coating. So, the addition of impact-resistant glass makes these windows a safe option for homes, buildings, and apartments.
Double Hung Vs Single Hung Windows – Cost Comparison
The enhanced functionality of double hung windows comes at an additional cost. On average, a double hung window costs around $600 to $1000.
Single hung windows are cheaper than double hung windows; their installation costs vary from $250 to $500. Note that these are the estimated installation costs.
Further, the type of glass chosen for any of these windows can also impact the overall installation cost. For example, double-pane glass is an ideal glass option for these windows. However, it is quite expensive.
If you are on a tight budget, you can choose single-pane glass as it is pretty cheap. So, the type of glass you choose will also impact the overall installation cost of both single and double hung windows.
Recommended Glass Type For Both Windows:
Choosing a quality glass panel for your house windows is also essential. Ideally, you should go with double pane glass panels. This is because they have excellent insulation properties. Moreover, you can also opt for laminated glass if safety and security are the top priority.
Laminated glass is tough to break and doesn’t fall out of its frame in case it gets broken. Both these glass types are great, but they can be quite expensive.
That’s why builders and contractors opt for single-pane glass panels, as they are quite cheap. So, depending on your budget, you can choose between these glass types.
Prefer to buy glass panels from a trustworthy glass vendor. Glass Genius is an all-in-one glass marketplace where you can shop for all types of glass products and accessories at competitive prices.
Related Article: Single Pane Vs Double Pane Windows
Final Thoughts!
So, that was our take on “Single Hung Vs Double Hung Windows.” Both these windows can be a good option for nearly any home or even commercial property. It all comes down to the personal preferences of the majority.
That’s because the double hung windows take the lead in some aspects like ventilation and ease of maintenance. Whereas single hung windows are cheap and more energy efficient. Always choose a quality glass panel for your house windows. Glass Genius has top-quality glass panels available at the best prices.
