Attic Insulation Vs Double Pane Windows

You ll be able to see through the glass as if it were one single pane but you ll get to enjoy the added insulation.

Attic insulation vs double pane windows.

Cutting down on energy bills is a top concern for many homeowners and double or triple pane windows are designed to insulate your home. I m a first time homeowner we have a 1964 multi split level about 28000sq with the original wood single pane windows and some old storm windows outside. Double pane windows energy savings. As mentioned earlier double pane windows are more energy efficient than single pane windows.

If you do not have double pane windows you can use insulating film to compensate. And since windows make up only a tiny fraction of your building s exterior envelope. A single pane window has an r value of 1. Now use your hair dryer to help it fit even better on the window.

Adding a storm window brings it to an r 2. The attic is insulated but it looks like it s still the original insulation with no additional or replacements. So any normally functioning double pane windows won t show condensation or mold. There s a handy chart on the chicago conservation corps blog.

Today s best dual paned windows are about twice as effective at retaining heat and air conditioning as the single paned units installed just a couple of decades ago but perhaps only 15 more efficient if those old units have storm windows on them. There is a pocket of airspace in between the two pieces of glass which is dried so that the air space is airtight to eliminate the possibility of condensation and to maximize the insulation properties. A double pane window is going to give you much better energy efficiency says george. Apply it around the window frame and press it against the wood.

You can find plastic insulating film from any hardware store. Cut the excess film with an utility knife. Multi pane windows have other benefits as well including increased security uv blockage and noise reduction.