If you’re shopping for new windows, you might be overwhelmed by the terminology: single-pane, double glazed, energy-efficient…the list goes on!
One common term is “double glazed glass.” Here, we’ll explain that term: what it means and how double glazed windows can benefit your home.
Let’s jump in!
Double Glazed Glass and Double-Pane Windows
In addition to “double glazed glass”, you may have heard “double-pane window”.
Double glazed is simply another term for double-pane. They both mean that the window has two panes of glass with a spacer and insulating agent like argon gas between them. The insulating agent and second pane of glass add thermal resistance, which reduces the impact the outdoor temperatures have on your home’s interior temperatures.
Single vs Double-Pane Windows
As you may have guessed, single-pane windows have just one pane of glass. They were the standard for decades and if you have an older home, you may still have single-pane windows. Homes built in the past 15-20 years are more likely to have double-pane and now it’s very rare to find a new home with single-pane windows.
Single-pane windows are less expensive than double-pane, but they lack insulation, which means they’re not energy-efficient. We’ll discuss the benefits of double glazed windows below, but we’ve got everything you need to know about single, double, and triple-pane windows on our blog.
How Effective are Double Glazed Windows?
Double glazed windows are very effective when it comes to quite a few things! But when most people ask how effective double-pane windows are, they want to know how energy-efficient they are. Let’s dive into the energy efficiency of double glazed windows, and their other benefits.
Energy Efficiency & Lower Energy Bills
The insulation and thermal resistance make double-pane windows more energy-efficient than their single-pane counterparts.
If you have single-pane windows, you may have noticed the room(s) in your home with those windows often feel hotter or colder than the rest of your house. That’s because single-pane windows are poor insulators. They allow outdoor temperatures to more easily impact your home’s interior temperatures, causing your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home comfortable. If your energy bills have steadily increased with no other explanation, your windows could be the culprit.
Double glazed windows can help reduce your energy bills each month while making your home more comfortable year round. That’s a win-win! (For more information, check out our guide to energy-efficient windows!)
Reduce Noise Pollution
If you live near a highway, a busy intersection, or your neighbor just likes to mow their lawn at 7AM, you’re probably all too familiar with noise pollution. Hearing traffic and lawn equipment from the comfort of your home isn’t ideal. Aside from moving, you might think there is nothing that can be done about it. But double-pane windows can help!
While double-pane windows aren’t soundproof, they can significantly reduce noise pollution. A window’s sound reduction capability is rated with a sound transmission coefficient (STC). STC ratings are on a scale from 20-65. The higher the STC, the better it is at reducing sound transmission. An average single-pane window has an STC of around 25, while double-pane windows have an STC of around 32. This is just under the STC requirement for airport windows, which are built to block out noise.
Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency With Double-Pane Windows
With a range of window styles, all available with double glazed glass, we have something to match your style and your budget. Get started by requesting your free consultation today!