The Value of Dual Pane Windows

Energy-efficient is the name of the game today...not only is it needed to keep our fuel costs down but also to help prevent 'global warming'. Dual pane windows is one way to help. On the whole newer homes are built with dual pane windows but if you have an 'older' home without them you might want to consider having them replaced. When it comes time to sell, buyers are more apt to purchase a home with this valuable upgrade.

Windows, one of the most attractive elements of your home, can also be one of the biggest energy wasters. Nearly 50% of homes have inefficient single pane windows. The energy loss from single pane glass can account 25% of a heating bill.

There are two types of double pane windows: gas filled with low-emissivity coating, which reduces heat loss by reflecting heat into the room rather than out of the house (recommended for colder climates); and spectrally selective coated glass, which holds in cool air, reducing the amount of heat let in from the outside...perfect for the warmer climates like Las Vegas. These windows can reduce heating bills by 34% and decrease cooling costs by 38% or more. With the average cooling cost of $300 per month, during the summer months, for an 1800 square foot home this is a sizable savings!

Prices for dual-pane windows start at about $1,000. Popular brands include Sears, Andersen and Milguard, whose websites include interactive design tools for selecting different window shapes, sizes and styles. Installation costs vary according to the age of the building; the type of exterior cladding, siding and/or brick; and the window product selected.

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