09 Feb Efficiency comparison of single vs double glazed windows
If your property still has single glazed windows then you’re missing out on the huge range of benefits that a double glazing window installation provides.
Aside from making your property more attractive and increasing the resale value, double glazed window installation offers much better insulation – unwanted outside noise is reduced, temperature regulation is improved and these various bits mount up to save you money on energy bills.
It is also more secure, maintenance is easier and better for your health with less moisture and potentially less mold growth.
Older windows can be a great big source of heat loss with a lot of people looking to upgrade their window installation from single glazing for improved energy efficiency as well as balancing the up-front costs.
A main difference between single glazing against double glazing is the obvious second glazed pane which is separated by a vacuum or other inert gas. This results in better sound insulation, increased energy saving while still providing plenty of natural light.
Trying to make the choice of the correct window solution can be a bit of a minefield when there are so many different options. Though a double glazing window installation is often the winner against alternatives such as laminated glass and Low-E glass if you are looking at energy savings.
An important item to consider when trying to understand the differences between single glazing and a double glazing window installation is the energy savings that are offered by double glazing. Granted the double glazing window installation is going to be more expensive than a straight single glazing installation, even the most basic double glazing can save 20% or more on your energy costs. If you look at this over a 20-year span the savings can be quite considerate.
But what about Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass windows are available in single glazing and double glazing models so it is a little tricky in doing a direct comparison. Laminated single glazing windows are, generally, less expensive than non-laminated single glazed windows. However, they still do not provide the same level of energy efficiency. Though from a security point of view laminated glass windows are impact-resistant and resist shattering when broken, also glass cutters cant be used on laminated glazed panes from the outside.
Low-E glass vs double glazing
How does double glazing measure up against the Low-E glass? A Low-E coating can keep UV and infrared rays out, which helps keep the interior cooler or let heat in to provide passive heating to the interior. In hot climates, you may prefer the heat-blocking style of Low-E glass, but homes and buildings designed with the heat of summer and chill of winter in mind may not benefit much from the Low-E glass.
Choosing low e glass vs double glazing means that heat flow from the outside to the interior will be reduced even when you might want it, like during winter. Double glazing allows for greater solar heat gain while also providing insulation, so you don’t have to “fight” your windows to maintain an ideal temperature inside.
So your best option may be to combine uPVC with a double glazing window installation to give you an amazing combination of sound insulation, energy-saving and good light transmission.
Construction and/or renovation Oversight
During the construction or the renovation of our homes, we often overlook doors as well as windows. You need to keep in mind that these are much more than just entryway and ventilation points in our home. When you look at the windows, you will realise that they have a direct impact on the temperature as well as the environment in your home. This is because the choice between single glazed and double glazed windows can determine the extent of temperature control which you have in your home.
Many people underestimate the efficiency of double glazed windows. The truth is that, when you compare single glazing vs double glazing windows, the double glazing ones have a distinct advantage. We will today compare these 2 types of windows in order to help you pick the right one.
What is a single glazed window?
In most simple terms, single glazed windows are those which consist of a single pane of glass. In the frame, single pane is incorporated. While there are a few distinct advantages of single glazed windows as well but they are not as efficient as double glazed ones.
There are benefits of single glazing.
Some of the benefits of single glazing include:
Do not always require newer frames.
Due to the fact that only a single glass pane is present in single glazing, they can be installed in the older window sills and window frames. This does not require you to always replace the old window frame when you are opting for the single glazed windows.
Suitable for hot and tropical climate.
If you stay in the area which is famous for its hot and tropical climate, you will not require any kind of heat retention in your home. In the single pane windows, heat cannot be retained as they are in direct contact with the elements of the weather outside. That is, if you’re staying in a hot and tropical climate, single pane windows are the ones which you should go for as they do not retain the heat. This is where single glazing windows score over double glazed windows.
Drawbacks of single glazing
With that being said, you have to look at the drawbacks of single glazing windows as well before taking a call.
Lack of Insulation. The level of insulation which is provided in single glazing windows is almost non-existent. Sooner than later, the environment outside will start impacting the temperature inside. Unless and until you have a strong climate control system, the temperature, as well as the weather conditions, will be reflected inside your home. That is why; the level of insulation which is provided is pretty limited.
No Noise protection. Moreover, since it consists of only a single pane of glass, any noise generated outside or in the vicinity will penetrate through it more easily. That is why it will not insulate against the noise produced outside.
Not sturdy. They are less sturdy. They are easy to break. They can shatter on impact. That is why; the level of security which is provided is not the same as double glazing.
In a nutshell, while single glazed windows might provide you with some advantages but overall, they are not that efficient.
What is a double glazed window?
Double glazed windows consist of 2 glass panes. The space in between the 2 glass panes is either filled with inert gas or a tight vacuum. Due to the presence of this space, an extra level of insulation is provided.
When you look at the benefits of double glazing, you will realise that there are quite a few. We will go into the details of these below.
Why is a double glazed window better than single glazed?
Some of the reasons why double glazed windows are better than single glazed ones include:
Proper Insulation.
One of the main advantages of double glazed windows is the insulation layer which is provided between 2 glass panes. It can be vacuum or filled with inert gas. In both of these cases, it acts as a barrier between the outside elements of weather and the environment inside.
Thus, the level of insulation that is provided in double glazed windows is on the higher side. This ensures that the temperature inside or the environment inside is protected to a large extent from the elements of weather. So when you’re heating up your home during the winter, the temperature inside will not fall drastically due to the insulation layer of the windows.
Energy Efficient.
As we explained above, it is easier for the climate control system in your home to maintain a proper temperature irrespective of the weather outside. This is because the inner glass pane is not exactly at the temperature which is prevailing outside. It is in contact with the air inside and is around room temperature. This ensures that the climate control system is not required to work overtime in order to maintain the temperature.
When the climate control system is able to maintain the temperature easily, the thermal efficiency increases. As the thermal efficiency of your home increases, the energy required to maintain the temperature goes down. This will help you in saving on maintenance costs as well as electricity costs.
No condensation.
The insulation layer between the 2 glass panes in a double glazed window also avoids condensation. As a result, you can maintain the climate conditions which you want in your home more easily. You will be able to make the entire ambiance much more comfortable with the use of double glazing.
Reduction of Noise.
If you live on a busy street, double glazed windows are almost a necessity for you. Double glazed windows help in cutting out the noise present outside. This ensures that your home remains much quieter and calm. The sound of traffic, as well as any work in progress nearby, is eliminated to a larger extent due to the extra insulation provided by double glazed windows.
Higher margin of safety.
With the extra glass pane, you can be sure that these windows are much more secure. They are harder to break into. Moreover, they can handle a higher amount of impact as well. Thus, the wear and tear is pretty limited in these windows. Moreover, they provide a high margin of safety due to the fact that they are much more sturdy and strong.
Aesthetically Appealing.
Last but not least, the double glazed windows look exactly like the single glazed ones. This ensures that if you just want to replace a few windows with double glazing, you can easily do so. They will look exactly the same as single glazing once. The double glazing is not visible from the outer side. Thus, they are artistically pleasing and also look almost the same as the single glazed windows.
The sheer number of advantages of the double glazed windows makes it well worth the extra cost which you will be paying for the extra glass pane. As they are highly durable and increase thermal efficiency, you will be able to recoup the extra cost over a period of time.
Conclusion
So, if you’re confused between single glazing vs double glazing, you have to take all the above factors into account and opt for the double glazed windows. The sheer number of advantages of the double glazed windows makes it a no-brainer to go with the double glazing as they are not only durable but also energy efficient and much safer.
If you’re interested in double glazing for your home, take a look at our uPVC Double Glazing Unit packages. Alternatively, just take a look at our other services for more!
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