Attic Insulation Vs Double Pane Windows

Double pane windows energy savings.

Attic insulation vs double pane windows.

A double pane window is going to give you much better energy efficiency says george. Cut the excess film with an utility knife. You can find plastic insulating film from any hardware store. As mentioned earlier double pane windows are more energy efficient than single 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. So any normally functioning double pane windows won t show condensation or mold. 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.

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. And since windows make up only a tiny fraction of your building s exterior envelope. Multi pane windows have other benefits as well including increased security uv blockage and noise reduction. Cutting down on energy bills is a top concern for many homeowners and double or triple pane windows are designed to insulate your home.

That s not a huge increase in the insulating value of the window especially given the cost to replace. A single pane window has an r value of 1. Replacing that with a pretty good efficiency new window will bring it up to an r 3 or r 4. 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.

If you do not have double pane windows you can use insulating film to compensate. There s a handy chart on the chicago conservation corps blog. Apply it around the window frame and press it against the wood.