Double Paned Windows, Your First Line of Defense

It’s probably safe to say that the cost of heating and cooling your house is going to go up, not down. With that in mind, it is becoming more important than ever before to make sure your house is as efficient as possible. There are many ways to insulate your house and putting in double paned windows is probably one of the more effective methods.

Not only will double paned windows reduce the cost of heating and cooling your house, they will also reduce the amount of noise you hear from outside your home. Imagine not having to hear traffic driving down the street, or not hearing the neighbors having a party down the street. The difference you won't hear may be enough to convince you that double paned windows are worth their weight in gold.

The basic design of double paned windows is nothing more than two pieces of glass mounted paralell to each other sealed in the frame. The spacing varies depending on different criteria such as vendor and application, but is typically between ¼ to ¾ of an inch between the panes of glass. The area between the panes is sealed to create a contaminate free atmosphere so you won't have to worry about the insides getting dirty.

You'll want to take a good look at the warranty on the windows to be sure it covers any failures of the seals. Failure of the seals is not only one of the most common problems with double paned windows, it will also reduce the effectiveness of the window's ability to properly insulate the house. But more importantly it will most likely cause condensation on the inside of the glass, which is unsightly and could cause the growth of mold.

Every double paned window has a rating that tells you how much thermal protection the window is capable of. The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) created the standard by which the “U” rating is calculated. It tells you how much of a heat loss factor you can expect in the winter. Lower “U” factors indicate a better double paned window.

There is another factor you might want to consider when making the choice for your double paned windows if you're in a warmer area. The “R” value measures the SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) or “Reflective” ability of the double pane windows as it relates to the amount of heat they can prevent from entering the home, helping to keep it cooler. A higher R value is better.

You can greatly increase the reflective ability of double paned windows by using a “Low E” glass, which is applied to the glass surface. This specially designed “film” reflects considerable amounts of heat before it penetrates the glass. It can also reflect UV rays while allowing nearly all visible light to pass through. This protects not only your skin, but also your drapes from sun fade. The amount of thermal protection this Low E coating produces is close to 50% more than double pane windows alone.

Another method of increasing the efficiency of double pane windows is to inject gases into the area between the windows. Argon gas is the most common gas added to double pane windows. It is inert and as a natural element it is completely safe. The gas helps insulate the double pane windows and provides extra savings in the cost of energy to heat or cool your house.

The initial cost of double pane windows is somewhat expensive, priced around $500.00 to $1,000.00 each. The cost adds up quickly, especially in large houses, but with the right windows you can expect to pay for the new windows in energy cost savings in just a few years. And you'll be more comfortable.

Double Paned Windows, Your First Line of Defense By Matt Finley

Double Paned Windows, Your First Line of Defense
By Matt Finley