What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Double-Pane Windows?

Lower Energy Costs

• Double-pane windows can reduce the energy it takes to heat and cool your home significantly. Compared to ordinary single-pane windows, double-pane replacement windows can reduce winter energy usage by up to 24 percent in colder climates. Those windows can also reduce the energy needed to cool a home in a hot climate by up to 18 percent. That lower energy usage means lower heating and cooling bills, and less impact on the environment.

Less Noise

• Double-pane windows are also better at blocking out noise. If you live in a noisy area near an airport or a major highway, you should notice a considerable reduction in noise if you replace your existing single-pane windows with double-pane models.

Cost

• Double-pane windows are more expensive than their single-pane counterparts. If you are building a new home, particularly a large one, opting for double-pane windows could add thousands of dollars to your construction costs. The cost can be just as high if you are replacing your existing single-pane windows with double-pane ones. A lower-end double-pane window generally costs about $600 as of June 2011, while you can expect to spend up to $850 for a top-of-the-line version.

The Hassle Factor

• If your old windows are leaking air and costing you money, it makes sense to replace them with more energy-efficient double-pane windows. However, if your windows are still in good shape, replacing them may not be worth the hassle or expense. If you choose to have your existing windows replaced, you can count on at least several days, and possibly several weeks, of hassles as the contractor takes out your old windows and replaces them with new double-pane ones.