Single Pane vs Double Pane Windows: What’s the Difference?

This article was originally published on July 26th, 2018. We have updated the article with new information and more insights.

Since we originally wrote this article, we have had many conversations with our customers about single and double-pane windows. Many ask us if they really need double pane glass windows or if a single window pane can ensure the energy efficiency and noise reduction they are looking for. And they are right to ask us these questions. The type of windows you own can help you save energy or increase your energy usage and monthly energy bills.

And we’re not just talking about the material or style of the window. The number of glass panels in your window (single pane or double pane) can greatly impact the comfort of your home. When you choose windows with the right number of glass layers, you can keep both energy consumption and heating costs to a minimum.

What Are Single Pane Windows?

Single pane windows have only one layer of glass and provide poor insulation. Windows with a single layer of glass have almost no noise reduction capabilities at all and fail to protect against temperature fluctuations.
If you live in Chicago, you probably already know this fabulous city is one of the noisiest in the United States, according to NPR. Have an apartment or home near a busy street? Noise pollution is probably one of your biggest enemies. A window with single-pane glass is certainly no match for the noise produced by cars.
Furthermore, single-pane windows can’t keep the outdoor temperatures outside where they belong. Your house will get colder during the winter and warmer during the summer and offer no refuge against extreme temperatures.

What Are Single Pane Windows?

If you live in Chicago, you probably already know this fabulous city is one of the noisiest in the United States, according to NPR. Have an apartment or home near a busy street? Noise pollution is probably one of your biggest enemies. A window with single-pane glass is certainly no match for the noise produced by cars.

Furthermore, single-pane windows can’t keep the outdoor temperatures outside where they belong. Your house will get colder during the winter and warmer during the summer and offer no refuge against extreme temperatures.

What are Double Pane Windows?

Instead of one layer of glass, double pane models have two layers. These two layers are separated from each other by a thin layer of empty space. The air trapped inside this space serves as the window’s insulation.

The air between the two panes of glass traps the outside air temperature inside. For example, Chicago has cold winters, with temperatures dropping to as little as -50. As colder temperatures make their way through the first layer of glass, the cold air gets trapped in the middle. In other words, the cold never makes its way through the second layer of glass and helps you enjoy consistent home temperatures.

Double-layered windows provide an airtight seal and keep the inside of your home nice and cozy just as you like it. Furthermore, they provide enhanced insulation, protect against energy loss, and keep your utility bills to a minimum. In fact, your savings with a double pane window can be as much as 24% during the winter and 18% during the summer. The double panes also block the outside noise.

Double glass windows cost more than single-pane windows, but their features make your investment totally worth it as you will save money in the long run.

Which Type of Window Is Better?

Since the window market includes numerous types of windows, choosing the correct windows for your home might seem like a lot of work. However, we can make it easier for you. In most cases, you’ll want double-pane windows for your home, but there are a few situations where you might benefit more from single-pane models.

For example, single-layer windows are an affordable option for many since they have a single pane of glass. However, keep in mind that even if the initial cost is more appealing, you’ll have to pay more for heating and air conditioning in time. Fortunately, this is not an issue for people living in a mild climate or with consistent temperatures all throughout the year. Single-pane windows could be a cost-effective option if you don’t have to worry about your house getting too cold or too hot.

Conclusion

The type of window you choose depends on how much money you want to spend on heating and cooling your house. When it comes to single pane vs. double pane windows, having two layers of glass usually saves you money and keeps your house more comfortable.

Here is a quick overview of the pros of double pane windows.

Double-paned windows keep both cool and warm temperatures inside your home and contribute to lower energy costs.
Modern window technology can help you save up to 50% on your energy bill.
Double-paned windows require you to use less energy to cool and heat your home, which contributes to the use of fewer fossil fuels and lower emissions of greenhouse gases.
Double-paned windows can help keep your house insulated from outside noise.

Thinking of replacing your single pane windows with an energy-efficient window? Take a look at these five benefits of double pane windows.

This article was updated on July 28, 2022, to reflect changes in technology and the industry. It was originally published on November 7, 2019.