Double pane cuts heat transfer and noise substantially. Single pane is what most pre-1980 houses have and it performs badly on both.

Replacement rarely pays back on energy savings alone within a reasonable period. The honest reasons to do it are comfort, noise and condensation. If the frames are sound, glass-only replacement into existing sashes is far cheaper than full units.

Related

• Fog between the panes
• Condensation on the inside in winter
• Sash that will not stay up
• Drafts at the frame rather than the sash
• Rotted wood sill under an older window
• Original single-pane aluminum
• Hail damage to window frames and screens
• Broken thermal seal still under warranty

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Written by Jaylan Jones. I Like To Exterior Services earns a referral fee when a call connects to a contractor. See our business-model disclosure.