Windows don’t only bring light and fresh air. They’re also crucial for your home’s energy efficiency and for keeping your bills under control.

The right window can enhance the style and functionality of your living space, while simultaneously improving overall comfort and maintaining privacy.

Still, there are many factors to consider when selecting windows for your home besides energy efficiency or comfort. There’s your budget, maintenance, and how you prefer your space to feel and look.

Single-hung and double-hung windows are among the most common and popular options for homeowners. They both fit many home styles and almost look identical at first glance.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the difference between single-hung and double-hung windows. Learn how each style operates, the pros and cons, how much they cost, and some things to consider when making your choice.

What Is a Single-Hung Window?

Single-hung windows feature two vertical sashes or panels, but one of them, typically the upper half, is fixed in place. You can only slide the lower sash up and down to adjust the airflow and ventilation. Some call them single-sash windows.

This design came along in the 17th century and remains a popular choice among homeowners for its classic aesthetic. Despite their traditional setup, single-hung windows provide tremendous value to any home. 

Single-Hung Window Material

Single-hung window assemblies are typically made from wood, vinyl, or aluminum. 

Wood, being the most traditional, lends a familiar rustic charm and great insulation properties. However, timber can be prone to moisture, rotting, and decay, which means it requires more maintenance.

On the other hand, vinyl single-hung windows are more durable and budget-friendly, offering superior energy-saving potential. Aluminum is favored for its modern look, though it’s less efficient.

Ideal Places For Single-Hung Windows

Single-sash windows are versatile and can be installed in a variety of home spaces. They’re often found in bedrooms and living rooms, providing clear outdoor views without significant heat loss.

They also work well in hallways and garages where daylight can’t reach. The traditional single-hung design offers sufficient natural lighting and ventilation, without the extra hardware of a double-hung assembly.

Benefits of Single-Hung Windows

Single-hung windows deliver numerous advantages besides their classic appearance. Here are some of its benefits homeowners must know:

• Cost-Effective: If keeping costs to a minimum is a top priority, single-hung windows are usually the most affordable option, especially for large-scale projects. Compared to other window types, the simple design is generally cheaper and quicker to install.
• Energy Efficiency: With its fixed upper panel and fewer moving parts, single-sash windows significantly reduce energy loss. The construction is also sealed directly to the frame, leaving no space for draft and moisture to penetrate.
• Increased Security: For those worried about break-ins, the single-moving panel design offers top-tier protection against impact. The fixed upper sash has no weather strip, which means fewer components that could wear out over time.
• Minimal Upkeep: The minimalist assembly of single-hung windows makes them easier to use and maintain. With fewer moving pieces, there’s a lower risk of damage that could lead to costly repairs.

Another underappreciated quality of single-hung windows is that they take up less space. They don’t protrude and are perfect for tight spaces.

Drawbacks of Single-Hung Windows

While certainly a timeless choice, the single-hung design has a few drawbacks you may want to consider. 

• Restricted Ventilation: Since only the bottom half of the assembly opens, single-hung windows may not allow as much fresh air as other alternatives. This makes them less ideal for spaces that require optimal air circulation, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Limited Size Options: Single-sash windows are available in standard and custom sizes. However, due to their design, the maximum sizes are usually smaller, especially when compared to double-hung options.
• Difficult to Clean: Although the stationary upper panels add impact and moisture protection, they also make cleaning single-hung windows more difficult. You need to remove the screen to access and clean the exterior, which can be really tricky on upper floors.

If you’re a homeowner who prefers to keep the facade of your home spotless, you may find cleaning single-sash windows a tad more tedious.

What Is a Double-Hung Window?

Unlike a single-sash window, double-hung windows feature a movable bottom and upper sash. You can either pull the top sash down and slide the lower panel up, providing greater flexibility and convenience for homeowners.

The two-opening design was a subsequent evolution from the older single-hung window, and was quickly adapted as a standard architectural feature in residential homes in the 1970s and 1980s.

What Are Doubling-Hung Windows Made Of?

Much like its predecessor, double-hung windows can be constructed using a range of materials, each with unique benefits.

Wood is the go-to material for this design, although it’s much more expensive and vulnerable to bending. You can customize it using different stains and finishes.  

Some homeowners prefer vinyl because it’s cheap and durable. Fiberglass is a premium alternative with high weather resistance. 

Manufacturers may also use composite frames made of a combination of materials to blend certain properties.

Best Home Spaces For Double-Hung Windows

The beauty of double-sash windows is that they’re suitable for practically any room in your home. 

Most homeowners prefer a double-hung window in upper-floor rooms to help release warm air. They’re also ideal in bedrooms and bathrooms to better circulate air and help prevent molds and mildew.

The sliding mechanism opens flush to the wall and doesn’t swing out and obstruct movement. This makes a double-hung window perfect for patio or deck areas.

Benefits of Double-Hung Windows

If you’re considering investing in this window style for your home, here are some of the major benefits of double-hung windows:

• User-Friendly Design: Double-hung windows are incredibly user-friendly and effortless to operate. You can balance a room’s ventilation by simply sliding both panels up and down.
• Superior Ventilation: Lowering the top panel allows warm, stuffy air to escape. Pushing the bottom sash up lets cool air in. This simple mechanism creates a natural air circulation superior to other alternatives.
• Added Safety: For those with children or pets, keeping both the lower sashes down prevents them from pushing against the screen or climbing out. This adds a layer of safety without compromising your air quality.
• Convenient Cleaning: Many modern double-hung windows have tilt-in sashes. That means you can easily clean the exterior glass safely from the inside of your home. You can do this by simply pushing the tilt latches and tilting the sash inwards.

Double-sash windows complement a variety of traditional and contemporary home designs. You won’t have issues finding frames that match the look you’re aiming for. Plenty of sizing options, too!

Drawbacks of Double-Hung Windows

Double-sash windows definitely offer plenty of convenience and flexibility. But they’re not without drawbacks. Before you commit, you may want to weigh the following carefully:

• Premium Cost: The elaborate construction of double-panel windows comes at a premium price. Replacement can cost you anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars, depending on the materials and labor expenses.
• Security: The two operable sashes make for a convenient feature. However, they can open the door for potential break-ins. Advanced locks, reinforced frames, and sturdier glass can prevent this, but at a higher cost.
• Potential Air Leaks: The upper sash of double-hung windows has weatherstripping all around. Over time, this seal can degrade, allowing air to escape and potentially driving up energy bills.

There are more moving parts to maintain in a double-hung window, so there’s a higher chance of malfunction. The locks, balances, springs, and latches need seasonal cleaning and lubrication for optimal functioning.

Choosing Between Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows

When choosing between single-sash and double-hung windows, consider your budget and how you’ll use them in your day-to-day life.

Budget

Single-sash windows can be an affordable option for those working with a tighter budget. They’re ideal for homeowners planning to replace multiple windows at once who also want to prepare for unexpected spending.

Not to mention the superior energy efficiency of the single-hung design adds to its long-term cost-saving appeal. Some vinyl options come with multichambered frames, further improving insulation and energy efficiency.

Of course, it doesn’t mean double-hung windows will skyrocket your bills. However, they may require more effort and investment to ensure optimal operation.

The average replacement cost of single-hung windows is $100 to $400. Conversely, double-hung windows are usually capped at $400, but can go up to $800. Your choice of materials and labor can significantly influence the total price.

Day-to-Day Use

Think about where you’ll install the window.

Double-hung assemblies are designed to improve air circulation. They work best in spaces where ventilation is crucial, such as in kitchens or bathrooms. 

On the other hand, single-hung windows are generally preferred for first-floor rooms that don’t need as much air circulation.

Maintenance

How much time can you spend looking after your windows? Depending on your answer, you can determine which window assembly suits your schedule best.

You can hire professionals to clean the top sashes of single-hung windows on upper floors for easier cleanup. You may need to clean your windows a couple of times a year.

In comparison, cleaning double-hung windows is easier and can be handled without hiring an extra pair of hands. That said, it may demand a more meticulous routine with more moving components to handle.

For these reasons, many homeowners ultimately opt for a blend of single and double-hung windows.

Alternative Window Designs You Might Like

If you think single or double-hung windows aren’t the right fit for your space, these alternative window designs may be worth looking into:

• Casement Windows: A popular choice for contemporary architecture, casement windows operate with a crank that pivots the sashes outwards. An interior latch locks the panel securely in place.
• Awning Windows: Perfect for basements and kitchens, awning windows are attached to the upper frame and swing outward from the bottom. The way they’re oriented means you can still enjoy fresh air even during light rains.
• Slider Windows: Slider windows sideways. The sashes are attached to horizontal tracks, taking up minimal space. They’re effortless to operate and are a popular feature in ranch-style homes.
• Fixed Windows: Favored for its energy efficiency, fixed windows don’t open or close. They’re best for spaces that don’t require air circulation. Fixed windows offer unobstructed views of the surroundings.

Bottom Line

Simply put, the main difference between a single-hung and a double-hung window is the number of operable sashes. Single-hung windows have one moving panel, while double-hung windows have two.

Both are popular among homeowners: single-hung windows for their affordability and durability, and double-hung windows for their superior ventilation and convenience. Whichever you choose, having an expert handle the replacement can help ensure you get the best out of your investment. Reach out to Michigan Screen and Window and claim your free estimate today!