Windows have become a central focus in energy efficient building strategies. Newer technologies including double and triple glazing have helped boost window performance but these upgrades can be expensive and, depending on where you live, not necessarily the most cost-effective. Before you make a significant investment in double pane replacement windows, consider some alternatives.

Storm Windows

If you live in a colder climate, multi-glazed windows can bulk up thermal resistance or insulating capacity to keep heat in during the winter. That’s the principle behind double pane windows. This can also be achieved by installing either interior or exterior storms to your existing single pane windows.

Interior storm window systems can be very inexpensive and you can install them yourself. The varieties include temporary heat-shrink films, plastic “spline and channel” films or clear rigid acrylic that either snaps or is held in place with a magnetic seal.

Exterior storm windows cost more than interior systems but are less expensive than upgrading to double pane windows. These add extra insulation and are durable, made of either wood or metal frames with glass or acrylic glazing.

Stop Drafts

The most common comfort issue with old windows is drafts and these can account for tremendous heat transfer. Boosting insulation around windows and sealing up cracks between window components with caulk and weather-stripping can greatly improve window performance.

This won’t increase the window pane’s thermal resistance but it will cut down on unwanted air infiltration. Even small gaps in your window, under a ¼ inch, can account for tremendous heat loss in winter and allow warm air through in summer. Taking the time to seal up the windows you have can cut your heating and cooling costs up to 15%.

Keep Solar Out

If you’re more concerned with keeping your house cool rather than warm, move beyond your windows and stop the sun outside. Keeping solar radiation out is a big task that’s easy to do with strategic shading.

Awnings can take the solar burden off your windows, especially on the side of your house that gets southern exposure. Awnings are cost-effective and adjustable so they can be retracted when you want to invite the sun inside.

Shade can also be provided by strategic landscaping. Deciduous trees (trees that drop their leaves in winter) can be used to shade the southern windows of your home without blocking solar gain in winter.

You can also invite deciduous vines to do the same by building a pergola on the southern façade of your home. Pergolas are an architectural element similar to arbors - lattices supported by columns. The open trellis structure can support heavy vines but allows sunshine to penetrate when the vines are dormant.

Today’s Windows

If you’re still thinking about replacement windows and don’t want to pay for double pane you’re not going to find many new windows that are single pane. Most windows made today are double and triple glazed to allow implementation of coatings and gas fills that can’t be accomplished with a single pane. But if you take the time to repair, seal and shade your existing single pane windows you can boost their performance and shave a considerable amount off of your heating and cooling bill.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.