Single-hung and double-hung are two of the most popular window choices in modern home design. Learn about the pros and cons of single-hung vs. double-hung windows to find the perfect one for your space.

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, your window choices will affect your ventilation, energy efficiency, and longevity. Knowing the difference in cost, efficiency, and functionality between single-hung vs. double-hung windows will make the decision clear and simple.

When it comes time to replace your windows, let Asher’s experts help you find the best double-hung or other styles of windows available. 

What Is A Single-Hung Window?

A single-hung window is defined by an operable lower window operable sash that moves up and down and a fixed upper window. Ventilation is carried through the bottom half only in this window style, which makes them ideal for first-floor windows since you aren’t looking for a place for heat to escape.

Single-hung ones have also been around longer than double-hung ones, lending them a vintage look and feel. They also have a reduced manufacturing cost, making them a much more common sight in most homes.

What Is A Double-Hung Window?

Double-hung windows look nearly identical to single-hung windows, but the upper window sash is able to slide up and down. This opens up your options for ventilation to include the bottom half, the top half, or both halves. Upper window ventilation is ideal for letting the heat escape from your home’s upper floors and circulating the air in bathrooms to prevent mildew.

There are some styles of double-hung windows with additional features that allow the windows to tilt, acting as an awning in the rain and allowing for better ventilation. Recently, this style has been gaining popularity as it offers more functionality and is much easier to clean.

What Is The Difference Between Single And Double-Hung Windows?

The critical difference between single and double-hung windows lies in the movement of the upper sash. Depending on where the window is placed, this movement can be a great advantage or no advantage whatsoever. Behind the sink, for example, is an excellent place for a single-hung window, while a double hung one would be a rather frivolous addition because the upper sash would be inaccessible. Similar to the difference between casement and double-hung windows, you’ll soon find out that each window has its place, as well as its pros and cons.

Replacing windows can greatly boost your energy savings, let Asher help you find the best time to buy windows and replace the old ones.

7 Considerations When Choosing Single-Hung vs Double-Hung Windows

Deciding between double-hung vs single-hung can be a surprisingly difficult decision to make. Windows last, on average, between 15 to 20 years, so it’s worth taking your time to consider all your options before you decide. The key deciding factors to consider include cost, cleaning, ventilation, accessibility, efficiency, installation, and aesthetic preferences. Each type of window is sure to be an improvement over any outdated window you may currently have, so there are no bad choices when it comes to any window replacements.

• Window Cost
• Cleaning Windows
• Window Ventilation
• Accessibility
• Window Efficiency
• Installation
• Aesthetic

Window Cost

On average, single-hung windows are about 10% to 20% less expensive than double-hung windows, varying in cost between $500 to $1,200 or more, depending on the material choices. This may seem negligible if you’re replacing one or two windows, but the cost can add up if you’re doing a total home window replacement. To help curb costs, single-hung windows are often used on the lowest floors to bring in cool air, while double-hung ones are used on the upper floors to let the rising hot air escape out the upper sash.

Cleaning Windows

Cleaning single-hung windows requires outside access to reach the upper sashes, and if they’re on an upper floor, you may want to hire a professional. The average homeowner will typically clean their windows 2 or 3 times a year, which adds up over their 20-year lifespan.

Double-hung windows have made cleaning a lot easier and a task you can complete from inside the home. With the added tilt features, cleaning is so easy that you might find yourself doing it fairly regularly to get those picture-perfect views all year long on the interior and exterior.

Window Ventilation

Double-hung windows are made for increased ventilation, with cold air coming in the bottom sashes and hot air escaping out the top. This technique works for any floor in the house but will be most noticeable on the top floor, where the heat rises and gets trapped in the summer months. Single-hung windows are the economical solution for pulling in cold air on your lowest floors. They are best used for ventilating basements, garages, and outdoor sheds. However, we recommend double-hung ones for any top-floor or bathroom windows.

Accessibility

How does a double-hung window work when it’s nestled behind the sink and the upper sash is just out of reach? There are times when it would be nice to have extra ventilation in the kitchen, like when you forgot you put a pizza in the oven an hour ago, but without access to the top window, it won’t be of much benefit. When you’re deciding what style of windows to install in each room, it’s important to consider the access you will have to open and close them.

Window Efficiency

Most types of single-hung windows are considered to be the most energy efficient because they come with fewer moving parts and multi-chambered windows. When looking for efficient types of double-hung windows, consider window frames made of fiberglass or vinyl, often available with added insulating foam. Wood is another popular frame choice because it is a natural insulator from the cold.

Installation 

Single-hung windows come with fewer moving parts, making them easier to install saving on labor and manufacturing costs. In addition to a higher upfront cost, double-hung windows have a more complex installation that doesn’t lend itself to DIY projects as readily. While most manufacturers offer warranties, getting your windows professionally installed is essential to get the most out of their longevity.

Aesthetic

Both single-hung and double-hung windows compliment a home with a more traditional aesthetic. Due to the long history of these window styles, you can find them in many colonial, craftsman, or Victorian home designs. They can be fitted with a decorative lattice window inlay or left clean and open for a more sleek and modern appearance.

Discover the unique ways single and double-hung windows can be used in combination windows from Asher. 

Recommended Places To Use Single-Hung vs Double-Hung Windows

What are single-hung windows made for if double-hung windows can do the same with added venting options? There is no reason you can’t put double-hung windows in every room, but there are times when it simply offers no additional benefit.

The purpose of double-hung windows is to allow hot air to escape out the top sash, but lower floors seldom get hot enough to require that kind of venting. There are also areas where the upper sash would be inaccessible, such as behind a sink or workbench. We recommend single-hung windows for these areas because of their lower cost and maintenance.

Single-Hung Window

• Basements
• Garage/Shed
• Behind the Sink

Double-Hung Window

• Top Floors
• Bathrooms
• Single Level Homes

Can You Put A Single-Hung And Double-Hung Window In The Same Space?

The above list of recommended spaces for single-hung vs double-hung windows is more of a guideline than a rulebook. There is no reason you can’t incorporate double-hung windows in your garage or complete a single-level home with a mix of single and double-hung windows. As long as you have adequate ventilation in your home, the layout of your windows is up to you, and the more creative you can be with your window combinations, the better off you’ll be.

Explore Asher’s Selection Of Double-Hung Windows

Deciding between single-hung vs double-hung windows can be a difficult choice to make. It may depend on the room you’re placing the window in, the budget you’re working with, and the ventilation you’re hoping to get out of it. With so many factors at play, it can feel overwhelming, but that’s where the experts at Asher really shine.

We’re here to help every step of the way with free consultations and expert guidance on finding the right windows for your home. Don’t hesitate to contact our team of professionals at Asher for all of your replacement window needs. Check out our blog for more window replacement tips and advice, or stop by the showroom for a first-hand look at the newest lineup of professional-grade windows.

Window shopping can be tricky when the most popular style is different types of windows combined, so what are combination windows? Learn about all the beautiful window combinations you can make, and discover which of them will work best in your space.

A combo window is generally made up of a picture window and a functional window, although you can add any number of windows into the combination. You also have your choice of operation style so your window can open in the direction that works best for your space.

For all your window replacement needs, contact the experts at Asher today. 

What is a Combination Window?

Picture windows are widely considered an aesthetic asset in your home. Since they don’t swing or slide open, they’re usually installed as a way to bring more natural light or exterior views into the house. What most homeowners don’t know is that the picture window can be combined with other window styles to add functionality and style.

These combination windows come in four varieties based on the type of functional window you decide to pair with the picture window. Each of these window types has a different operating mechanic, which makes them ideal for certain placements.

Types of Combination Windows

When it comes to windows, there are a ton of different styles, but these four stand out as the best window styles to pair with picture windows. They fit neatly into adjacent spaces and complement the picture window well. The style that fits best in your home will depend on your access to the window, need for ventilation, and desired opening angle. Learn more about each type of window to find the one that operates in an ideal way for your placement.

• Casement Picture Window Combination
• Double Hung Picture Window Combination
• Picture and Awning Window Combination
• Picture and Bay Window Combination

Casement Picture Window Combination

This style of combination replacement window is widely used as the main windows of a home, specifically the window that’s right at the front of your house. Casement windows swing outwards to open via a crank at the bottom of the frame. This allows for maximum ventilation on top of allowing more daylight and fresh air to enter your home. With today’s modern window panes, you’ll also see a jump in your energy savings to offset the cost of your window replacement.

Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll help you find the window style that best fits your home. 

Double Hung Picture Window Combination

The double-hung window design is a popular choice to pair with picture windows as the style conserves space. Instead of swinging open, the window sash slides upward or downward, preventing it from running into obstacles outside. The downside for some is the slightly obstructed view out the window when it’s in the open position. When it comes to deciding between casement windows vs double hung, this upward vs outward operation is the key deciding factor.

Picture and Awning Window Combination

The picture-awning combination is a common feature in contemporary and modern window designs. It’s essentially a picture window with a smaller, operable window at the top separated by the frames. The operable window swings out and upward, much like the awning on a patio, to prevent rain from entering the window.

It’s the best solution if you want to retain the sleek look of a standalone picture window with some added utility. This is also a popular combination for sunroom window designs as it gives the room a simplistic yet unique design.

Create picture window combinations with a unique style with the expert designers at Asher.

Picture and Bay Window Combination

Bay windows actually incorporate other window styles in their design, although it consists mostly of an operable window style like a casement or double-hung. This combination is set in a U-shaped pattern with the picture window at the center and two operable windows at its sides.

That said, it’s perfectly viable to have a bay window that’s all picture windows if you want unobstructed views for your room. Since bay windows are constructed as an outcropping of your home, they can make window replacement costs a bit higher in the future.

Get Combination Windows From Asher Lasting Exteriors in Western Wisconsin

Replacing your windows with high-performance window combinations is a great way to renovate your home and save some money on energy this winter. You’ll be happy you installed some functional windows to pair with your picture window when the spring breeze comes and your home is fully ventilated.

Learn more about how combination windows can work for your next project and request a free estimate from our window experts. Asher Lasting Exteriors is ready to assist you with all your window replacement needs. Visit our blog for more info on window replacements and pick up some design inspiration from our showrooms in Eau Claire and Onalaska.

Replacing your windows is one of the best ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency, security, and curb appeal, but finding the perfect window can be difficult. Knowing the difference in cost, efficiency, and functionality between casement windows vs double hung windows will make the decision clear and simple. 

If you’re in the market for replacement windows you may have already come across a few different operable window types. The most popular choices by far are casement and double hung windows for their ease of use and classic style. Deciding between the two is a matter of how you prefer to open your windows, and your need for durability, energy efficiency, and ventilation.

Explore our casement and double hung window selection at the Asher showroom or visit our website to request a free estimate for your replacement windows. 

Casement vs Double Hung Windows: What’s the Difference?

The key difference between casement and double hung windows is that casement windows operate via a crank at the base, while double hung windows operate by pushing a sash up or down. They each have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so the best option for you depends on your needs.

To get a better understanding of how each can fit into your lifestyle, we need to go into further detail on their designs.

What is a Casement Window?

Casement windows open outward like a door swinging toward their hinged side. A handheld crank on the interior base turns the gears that swing the window until it’s perpendicular to the frame. After cranking the widow shut, a latch on the side can be closed to create an air-tight seal.

These windows are known for being easier to operate and offering clearer views than their counterparts. Casement windows, or crank out windows, are defined by these three characteristics:

• Outward opening 
• Crank operated
• Unobstructed views

What is a Double Hung Window?

Double hung windows are made up of an upper and lower sash, or glass windowpane, that each slides up or down independently. Typically, the upper sash remains stationary while the lower sash is moved up or down. However, the option of having top opening windows is why most people prefer them to single hung windows in which the top is fixed in position.

Double hung windows have a more classical style as windows with sashes came onto the scene back in the 17th century. They can easily be identified by these three main elements:

• Window panes that open vertically
• Horizontal divider between the sashes 
• Top opening functionality

Key Differences Between Casement and Double Hung Windows

The deciding factor for most people is whether they want windows that open outward or windows that open upward. Windows that open out offer clear views, but could interfere with window planters or other nearby elements. Windows that open upward avoid taking up extra space at the cost of a clear view. However, there’s much more to them than simply how they operate.

Understanding Cost Differences

Window replacement can be an expensive renovation to undertake so it’s important to take a look at the casement vs double hung cost comparison. Casement window costs are on average 10% more expensive than double hung windows due to the complex mechanisms involved in the crank opening.

Double hung windows are also the more widely used among the two, which leads to higher competition among manufacturers, keeping costs down. Their prices range between $500 and $1200 per window, whereas casement window prices are just 10% higher than that on average. The reason for the difference can be summarized in three key points:

• Casement window cranks are more complex to manufacture
• Double hung windows have more market competition
• Casement windows have a lower demand

Why Choose Casement Windows?

Casement windows are becoming more popular with modern homes that reflect their contemporary style. They have several advantages over double hung windows, but also a few drawbacks to consider. Making a pros-and-cons list is the perfect way to determine if casement windows are right for your home.

Casement Window Benefits

The main benefit of casement windows is their easy crank opening, which has made them popular with elderly or disabled homeowners who have difficulty lifting heavy window sashes. It’s also common to see kitchen casement windows because they are easier to open when reaching over a sink or countertop.

Casement windows also offer the best views because there is no sash that divides the window. When fully closed and locked, they create a tighter seal that is both great for temperature control and energy efficiency.

Pros of Casement Windows

• They are easier to open and close via the crank mechanism.
• They offer clearer views with less obstruction.
• Their air-tight seals boost energy efficiency.

Casement Window Drawbacks

There are a few drawbacks to choosing casement windows aside from the 10% higher casement window replacement cost. The complex mechanisms involved in the crank are more likely to fail over time than any other window part. Fixing or replacing them is an option, but if it’s out of warranty that will come at a cost.

Due to their door-like opening they aren’t good candidates for most basic window air-conditioner units. Specialty A/C units are available but are more expensive than traditional ones. Depending on your needs, these few areas could be cause for concern.

Potential Cons of Casement Windows

• Casement window costs are higher on average.
• Their cranks are more prone to failure than other window mechanisms.
• Basic window A/C units won’t fit in casement windows.

Why Choose Double Hung Windows?

Double hung windows have a classic look and feel that fit well with every home aesthetic. They are simple in design and functionality and reflect that in their pricing. There’s a good reason they are the most widely used window, but there are a few areas in which the design falls behind the competition.

Double Hung Window Benefits

Double hung windows are low maintenance and at low risk of mechanical failure due to their simplistic design. This gives them a longer lifespan on average. Combined with their lower price point, this makes them the more economical window option.

Some homeowners have even decided to start replacing casement windows with double hung when mechanical failure becomes an issue. Their functional design also accommodates most window A/C units as an added bonus for the penny-wise homeowner.

Pros of Double Hung Windows

• They are the more affordable choice.
• They are low maintenance and have a low risk of failure.
• They are designed with window A/C units in mind.

Double Hung Window Drawbacks

Most homeowners have experienced the pains of cleaning double hung or single hung windows. The outer sashes can be difficult to reach, in some brands, leaving a small gap of dirt where the two windows overlap.

Normal wear and tear may also cause the lower sash on a double hung window to slide down when you want it to stay up. There are quick and easy fixes for this but a prop for your window is not everyone’s favorite design choice. Add to this the horizontal bar dividing your view and this window type has a few disadvantages.

Potential Cons of Casement Windows

• Their outer window panes are difficult to clean in some brands.
• Their lower sashes may refuse to stay up over time.
• Their horizontal bars obstruct a clear view of the outdoors.

Should You Choose Casement or Double Hung Windows?

The choice between casement or double hung windows is as much about style as it is functionality, cost, and longevity. However, it doesn’t have to all be one or the other with the available combination window stylings. You may choose to have double hung windows on your house front and casement windows in the kitchen.

Another popular choice is to have twin casement windows in the living room paired with a picture window for added light and ventilation. Whatever your design choices are, be sure to select the best quality materials and professional installation to get the most out of your window replacement.

Request a Free Replacement Window Estimate from Asher 

Purchasing new windows is a big investment, which can make for a daunting choice. At Asher, we don’t operate on a good, better, best system. Instead, we only offer the highest quality products on the market, so you know you’re getting the best casement windows or double hung windows that money can buy. Visit our showroom to see our high-quality selection of Renewal by Andersen windows or request a free estimate now. For more information on window selection and home renovation, check out our blog for the latest tips and tricks.

High-performance windows mean more than increased energy efficiency. In addition to great insulation, a performance window can provide more light, sound control and eliminate condensation. Learn what makes a window ‘high performance’, why it matters, and the benefits. 

Shopping for replacement windows or windows for a new home or business is not an easy task. It’s good practice to look for an ENERGY STAR® certification when looking for an energy-efficient window, but how do you choose the best one? Having an idea about the basis for certifications like these can help you make an informed decision.

Contact Asher today to chat with one of our window experts and ensure you’re making the most informed decision for your next window replacement.

What Are High Performance Windows?

A window’s high-performance rating is determined by several criteria involving its energy efficiency and overall performance. Once you know which ratings to look for when window shopping, finding the best window is easy. Here at Asher, we exclusively use Renewal by Anderson windows as they are the best and most energy-efficient replacement windows for our customers. Read on to learn how performance windows can improve your home.

• Airtight seals improve insulation and eliminate condensation
• Low thermal expansion extends the window’s longevity
• Treated glass lets in more natural light and less heat

Does Window Performance Really Matter?

Whether you live in the Arizona desert or the Alaskan tundra, you want your windows to keep your home’s temperature comfortable. Increased insulation and energy efficiency are two main reasons people replace their old windows. When looking at a window replacement for energy efficiency, you want to find the highest R-value windows.

Well-insulated windows have an R-value above 5. This measures the amount of heat retained by the window. A single pane window R-value is around 1, and double pane windows range from 3 to 3.8, which means comparing double vs. triple pane windows R-value is where performance windows start saving you money. The R-value of triple pane windows is 7 to 8, but that’s not the only area in window performance that matters.

• High-efficiency windows last longer and require less maintenance
• Insulated windows for homes eliminate condensation, water leakage, and cold drafts
• R-5 windows are the energy efficiency standard, R-10 windows are peak efficiency

Understanding Energy Star® Windows

ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program that sets the energy efficiency criteria for windows and doors in the various climate zones across the country. To be ENERGY STAR® certified, a window E-rating must meet the U-Factor and SHGC requirements of your climate zone and be NFRC labeled. Most Renewal by Anderson windows are certified for all climate zones of the United States.

Reading the NFRC Label on Renewal by Andersen Windows

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) established an independent rating system

for windows and doors in 1992. The label shows the windows U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance, and Air Infiltration. These metrics allow consumers to find the best window for their climate to meet or exceed their energy efficiency requirements.

• U-Factor: The U-Factor gives you an idea of how much heat is lost through a window. The lower this number is, the better the window’s insulation capabilities.

• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): The SHGC indicates the amount of solar radiation that can pass through a window. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat that passes through the window heating your home.

• Visible Transmittance: There’s just no substitute for natural lighting, and a window with high visible transmittance can help you maximize the daylight in your home. Not to be confused with the SHGC, a window’s VT rating indicates the amount of light that can pass through a window.

• Air Infiltration: Cold or warm air can leak through cracks, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your room and raise your power bill. The Air Infiltration rating gives you an idea of how much air can slip through a window.

Are Passive Windows and High-Performance Windows the Same Thing?

Passive house windows are a type of high-performance window characterized by a low U-Factor and high R-value, which allows them to maximize heat gain and minimize heat loss. Passive window systems are designed to collect solar heat through south-facing windows and retain it in airtight layers of gas known as thermal mass.

Benefits of High Efficiency Windows

Window replacement is one of the most rewarding home renovation projects you can take on. Today’s high-performance windows will not only save you money but also improve the comfort of your home, reduce your carbon footprint, and last for decades.

Save Money On Utility Costs

Inefficient windows and doors can account for nearly a quarter of the average household’s energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Upgrading your window performance will not only save you money on heating and cooling but also reduce the workload of your HVAC system, requiring less maintenance in the long run. Energy efficiency is one of the main reasons for window replacements, along with a few other highlights.

• Replacing single-pane windows can save up to $465 a year
• 25% of your energy bill is spent on inefficient windows and doors
• Reducing your energy use will ease the stress on HVAC equipment

The Sustainability Factor 

In addition to reducing a home’s energy use, the production cycle of high performance windows provides a number of benefits to the environment over past window building materials. Renewal by Anderson exclusively uses Fibrex composite materials for their frames, a recycled wood fiber and polymer blend. This material is better insulated than aluminum, more durable than vinyl, and only one of the many sustainability highlights of performance windows.

• Energy efficiency is top priority in window production as well
• Recycled materials are used to create the frames
• Renewal by Anderson was the first to receive the Green Seal Certification

Improved Comfort In Your Home 

High-efficiency windows are designed to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It’s all made possible by advanced window glazing techniques to block solar heat without blocking any light. This not only protects you and your family from harmful UV rays but saves your furniture and flooring from damage as well.

As an added bonus, well-insulated windows cut off outside noises giving you more peace and quiet at home. When it comes to comfort, there are a few surprising benefits performance windows can bring you.

• Reduce your exposure to damaging UV rays
• Eliminate cold drafts, leaks, and condensation 
• Filter the noise from outside so you can relax

Long-Lasting Windows

Window replacement can be an expensive and time-consuming task. Depending on the time of year you choose to renovate, you may be losing a lot of heat or cool air during the installation. Luckily if you decide to install high-performance windows, you won’t need to replace them for 25 years or longer with proper maintenance. Longevity is one of the many factors that make installing new windows a no-brainer.

• Window replacement costs vary but offer a high ROI
• Professional installation will significantly increase your window’s longevity
• With proper care, you won’t need a replacement again until 2050

Tips to Choose High Performance Windows for Your Home

The best window for a home in Alaska may not be the best window for a home in Florida. Be sure to look for climate-centric features for your area. You can learn about the energy efficiency requirements ENERGY STAR® observes in your area by typing your zip code into their website.

Once you know your area standard, start paying attention to the various energy ratings while you shop. If you know what ratings you require and what window elements you need, create a checklist to share with your window replacement experts. When it comes to finding the best performance window for your home, there are a few key tips to keep you on track.

• Have a component checklist
• Look for climate-centric features
• Pay attention to energy ratings
• Find the ENERGY STAR® requirements for your area

Explore Asher’s Selection of High Performance 

At Asher, we only sell the highest quality windows on the market. Browse our selection of Renewal by Andersen windows to experience the benefits of the highest-rated windows for homes. You will love the way your home looks through high-performance windows, and your bank account will love the difference too.

Stop dealing with plastic sheets over drafty windows and start maximizing your home’s potential. Contact us today to discuss your window replacement needs and receive a free estimate. If window replacement is only one item on your to-do list, check out our blog for insider tips on everything home improvement-related.