Single Hung Windows versus Double Hung Windows

Choosing Between Single Hung and Double Hung Windows: What You Need to Know

When it comes to selecting windows for your home, the choice between single hung and double hung windows can be an important one. Both offer unique benefits and potential drawbacks, depending on your needs and preferences. Let’s dive into the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Single Hung Windows: Simplicity and Efficiency

Single hung windows are characterized by their classic design. These windows have two sashes (panels of glass), but only the bottom sash is operable. The top sash is fixed.

• Cost-Effective: Generally, single hung windows are slightly more affordable, but that difference has decreased over time. If budget is a primary concern, this option could help.

• Energy Efficiency: With fewer moving parts, single hung windows offer slightly better insulation, which might lead to lower energy bills. Less airflow through the window can help maintain your home's internal temperature.

• Ease of Maintenance: However, because there’s only one operable sash, cleaning from inside the house can be a bit of a challenge, particularly for upper floors. On ground levels, it’s not as much of an issue.

Double Hung Windows: Versatility and Convenience

For Double hung windows, both sashes are operable. This means that both the top and bottom sashes can be opened and closed/moved up and down.

• Ventilation Control: With double hung windows, you can open both sashes simultaneously, allowing for improved air circulation. This feature can be great after a summer storm cools things down, we get that less humid fall weather, or to let fresh air into your home when Dad burns the bacon and you need some ventilation in your house.

• Easier Cleaning: Both sashes tilt inward, making it easier to clean the exterior glass from inside your home. This feature is particularly advantageous for multi-story homes.

• Increased Cost: Double hung windows can come with a slightly higher price tag, however, many homeowners find the added convenience worth the investment.

• Easier Service in the Future: A great benefit is if you ever have a service issue requiring a window replacement, the manufacturer can ship out just the upper or lower sash needing replaced, which doesn't require an installer to replace.  Even the homeowner can easily pop in a new sash, saving time, complexity, and money down the line.

Final Thoughts

The choice between single hung and double hung windows ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, energy-efficient option and don’t mind a bit of extra effort in cleaning, single hung windows could be the right choice. However, if you value ease of maintenance and improved ventilation, investing in double hung windows might be more beneficial.

Hope this helps! What are you leaning towards?  Give us a call at 904-WINDOWS and let's talk about your project.