Double Hung Windows Buying Guide

Single Hung vs. Double Hung Windows

The main difference between a double hung window and a single hung window is their unique ability to open and close. A double hung window has two operating sashes that move up and down allowing for ventilation on the top, bottom or both areas of the window frame. They’re convenient, effective at ventilating a room or an entire home and offer the high energy efficient levels that so many homeowners and business owners are after. Double hung windows have been around for centuries and they’re still one of the most common types of windows used in the United States today.

Double Hung Window Prices

Double hung window installations are one of the most common windows to be replaced in a home. A standard sized double hung window will cost around $450 to $585 per window. You may also need to add in costs if you a choose a higher quality window brand and for average labor costs in your area (usually $38 per hour.) Homeowners can also expect to pay more for higher quality windows frames such as wooden double hung windows or triple paned glass features. Higher price tier double hung window features could cost $800 to $1,000 per window.

Best Double Hung Windows

If you want to find the best double hung windows for your home, a good factor to consider is which window brands are the best. Some of the best double hung windows come from top manufacturers like Anderson, Pella, Ply-Gem, Loewen, etc. Here is a breakdown of the average prices for the best double hung windows by brand.

Double Hung Window Sizes

Double-hung windows are some of the most popular types of replacement windows in the United States. They come in a wide variety of standard sizes to choose from. They are often found in the bedroom, kitchen, hallways, and all over the house. Double-hung window dimension can be anywhere from 24 to 48 inches wides, and 36 to 72 inches in height.

• Double Hung Width: 24″ min  to 48″ max
• Double Hung Height: 36″ min to 72″ max

See our double-hung window size chart below for common home window dimensions.

Double Hung Widths:

• 24″ inches
• 28″ inches
• 32″ inches
• 40″ inches
• 44″ inches
• 48″ inches

Double Hung Heights:

• 36″ inches
• 44″ inches
• 48″ inches
• 52″ inches
• 54″ inches
• 60″ inches
• 62″ inches
• 72″ inches

Double-Hung Window Types

Double hung windows are available with four different frame materials, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum and wood. Vinyl double hung windows are the most affordable, but they tend to wear out faster and provide the lowest level of support. Fiberglass double-hung windows are more expensive, but one of the best mixtures of weather-resistance, strength and insulation. Aluminum double hung windows are known for being very strong and weather resistant, but they allow a bit more thermal energy to pass through the frame than the other options. Wooden double hung window frames are the most expensive of the bunch and while they are one of the most durable options, they are subject to more expansion and contraction than other types of windows leading to performance issues over time.

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Double Paned vs Triple Paned Windows

Most windows today are at least double paned, but you can choose between double or triple paned double hung windows. The difference between the two is all about the number of layers of glass used on the windows. The double paned windows have two layers and the triple paned have three layers of glass. Triple paned windows are more energy efficient, but they will cost you more to purchase initially than double paned windows.

Tempered vs. Insulated Glass

Double hung windows are available with tempered and insulated Low E glass. Tempered glass is more durable and will stand up to impacts more effectively than standard glass does. Insulated and Low E glass helps to keep heat in more effectively than standard glass does. This insulated glass has argon gas trapped between the layers and the gas reflects heat back into the room to help keep it from being lost.

Energy Efficient Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows are one of the most energy efficient window options on the market today when built with quadruple weather stripping. Each window section uses two or three panes of glass with gas in between each of the layers. This setup creates highly insulated windows that are capable of keeping the heat in and the cool out. When installed properly heat isn’t lost where the two windows meet in the middle or around the edges of the window.

How to Clean Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows are easier to clean than single hung windows, and that’s because you can clean both sides of the windows from inside your home.

To get at either side of the window you simply tip the sash back toward you into the home. With the sash tipped in you can access both sides of that section of the window with ease. That makes cleaning quick and easy to do, and it’s one of the best features of a double hung window.

Double Hung Window Screens

Double hung windows, unlike casement and awning style windows, are designed to work well with window screens. Screens are easy to slip into place and provide plenty of protection against pests when you want to keep the windows open. Since the windows are staggered, it’s simple to put screens in the empty space that’s left at either side of the windows.

Double hung windows have a lot to offer and that’s why they’re used so widely around the country. They’re good for insulation purposes, for ventilation and ease of use. Since there are so many different types of windows available it’s important to choose them with care so you get something you’ll be happy with for years to come.