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. Since double hung windows have this added feature, they’re more expensive to install than the costs to install a single hung window. 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 Brands
If you want to find the best double hung windows for your home, a good factor to consider is choosing a top rated window brand. 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.
| Best Double Hung Windows | Price Per Window | Costs to Install |
|---|---|---|
| Alside Century | $200 | $386 |
| Andersen 200 Double Hung | $280 | $350 |
| Harvey Vinyl Double Hung | $350 | $465 |
| Jeld-Wen Vinly Double Hung | $198 | $318 |
| Loewen Wood Double-Hung | $782 | $985 |
| Milgard Tuscany Vinyl Double Hung | $245 to $375 | $475 |
| Pella Vinyl Double Hung | $200 | $280 |
| PGT Aluminum Double Hung | $315 | $485 |
| Ply Gem Premium Double Hung | $325 | $400 |
| Simonton Double Hung | $320 | $445 |
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 home window sizes to choose from. They are often found installed in the bedroom, kitchen, hallways, and all over the house. Double-hung window dimension can be anywhere from 24 to 48 inches wide, 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 window 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. The cost for new windows will vary depending on the frame material you choose as well. 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.
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 windows 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.
