Jennifer Farrington is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront. She is a Florida native who has more than a decade of writing and editing experience. Jennifer has covered everything from real estate and insurance to personal finance and entertainment.
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
At first glance, single-hung and double-hung windows look identical. But, there are major differences between the two: A double-hung window’s top and bottom sashes open and close independently, whereas only the bottom sash of a single-hung window operates.
The sash is a key window component that holds the glass panes together. Don’t confuse the sash with the frame itself — a customizable external structure securing the sashes. Window frames are sold in various materials, such as wood, vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum.
This leads to significant differences in energy efficiency and cost. Single-hung windows are typically less expensive than double-hung but are more efficient. That’s because with fewer moving parts — and less functionality — they’re better for getting a tight seal and preventing air leakage.
Your chosen window type contributes not only to your home’s curb appeal but also to its energy efficiency. To help you select a window that aligns with your budget and fulfills your functional requirements, we compared single-hung and double-hung windows offered at major retailers, highlighting key differences in size, price and benefits.
Single-hung windows are more affordable than double-hung windows but can’t compete regarding practicality or air circulation. Single-hung windows have two sashes: a fixed upper sash and an operable lower sash. The latter slides up and down and tilts inward, improving ventilation and facilitating convenient exterior window cleaning from inside your home.
Double-hung windows feature top and bottom sashes that move like the lower sash on a single-hung window — raising vertically and swinging inward. This design promotes airflow, facilitating hot air to exhaust through the top sash and cool air to enter your home through the bottom sash. Efficient circulation helps keep your home cooler during warmer months.
Double-hung windows are also more practical because you can access both exterior window panes from the inside. This makes double-hung windows particularly suitable for second-story rooms or higher and saves you from climbing a ladder whenever the window requires cleaning or maintenance.
Top window brands and major retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot typically carry both window types in standard sizes and frame materials.
The window size you need depends on the size of the outgoing window. Single-hung and double-hung windows share common dimensions, including these standard sizes:
The number in the size column of the chart refers to the four-digit numbering system professional window installers use to denote window sizes. The first two digits denote the window’s width in feet and inches, and the subsequent two digits signify its height.
Lowe’s offers single-hung replacement windows that measure 21 to 35 inches wide by 32 to 76 inches tall, depending on the brand. Unlike major retailers, Pella offers a wider array of options, including single-hung windows with wooden frames in sizes up to 48 by 96 inches. The retailer’s fiberglass windows are 47.5 by 79.5 inches, and vinyl sizes are 14.5 to 23.5 inches wide by 53.5 to 77.5 inches high.
You can also order custom-sized windows if you can’t find a standard window size that fits your application. This will generally “cost you between 30% and 75% more than a standard window,” said David Heim, a retired Florida contractor with 17 years of industry experience installing windows.
Double-hung replacement and new construction windows are readily available at major retailers, starting at widths around 23 inches and reaching heights up to 73 inches. However, direct-to-consumer sellers may have more size options. For example, Pella sells double-hung windows with widths of up to 41.5 inches and heights of 77 inches.
Single-hung windows can range from $425 to $900 per window, based on prices on Pella’s website. The cost is influenced by frame material, glass insulation and size. At Lowe’s, single-hung windows range from approximately $250 to $900.
Double-hung windows typically fall within the price range from $500 to $1,000 per window, with factors such as size, window frame type and glass insulation contributing to the overall cost. Lowe’s prices are slightly more economical, ranging from $150 to $750, with the typical price of around $433 per window.
Neither window type is better — choosing between a single and double-hung window depends on preference and budget. Both types have their value, whether in functionality or energy saving.
Double-hung windows are the costlier choice but are versatile, easy to maintain and allow for better airflow, according to Larry Shapiro, co-owner of Executive Remodeling based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
They also tend to be safer for homes with small children or pets, as you can open the upper sash while keeping the lower one closed, preventing jammed fingers or paws but still allowing air circulation.
Gregory, a Lowe’s customer, reviewed the Pella 150 series new construction vinyl Low-E Argon double-hung window, praising it as a “good quality window for budget-minded folks.”
Single-hung windows are the more economical and energy-efficient choice but fall short in terms of ventilation and ease of exterior cleaning. Increased air leakage — which you may experience with double-hung windows — can result in indoor temperature fluctuations and increased energy bills.
Jessica, a Lowe’s customer, liked the price of the Reliabilt 150 series new construction vinyl single-hung window, citing its appearance and “dramatic difference in temperatures between the room that we have already installed these windows and the room we have yet to start on” as her reasoning for recommending it and rating it 4 out of 5 stars.
If you don’t mind spending the extra money, double-hung windows are a convenient option, especially in rooms on the upper levels of your home. However, if maintenance isn’t a big concern, single-hung windows are cheaper and more energy efficient.
As you deliberate between window types, consider other window attributes such as the framing material (wood, fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum and more), energy-efficiency ratings, security features and optional enhancements such as grilles or tinted glass.
You can also choose windows with multiple glass panes or a glass coating to enhance your window’s performance. Double- or triple-pane windows involve layers of glass with argon gas sandwiched in between, enhancing their insulating properties. Coatings such as advanced low-emissivity offer a thin layer of metallic oxide that invites natural light while blocking out excess heat.
When windows are upgraded from double-pane to triple-pane, energy efficiency performance improves by 40% or more, according to a study by the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Triple-pane windows are more effective at reducing noise, conserving energy and lowering home electricity bills.
Review customer feedback and satisfaction before you finalize your decision to assess product quality. Or check out our recommended brands for replacement windows.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
The first sunny day of spring can signal a return to weekend barbecues, short sleeves and household cleaning. From organizing closets to giving your car a good scrub, spring cleaning should consist of tidying up outside as much as inside. This begs the question: How often should your windows be cleaned? Home windows, with hard-to-reach…
Andersen Windows & Doors and Pella have both been known for high-quality windows for decades. Both are Energy Star partners that offer a wide range of window styles and materials. They’re available at most home improvement retailers and have similar pricing for their midtier window lines. It’s hard to tell at a glance which is…
The type of window you choose for your next installation or replacement impacts your home’s energy efficiency, curb appeal, noise reduction and more. Some windows showcase aesthetics, whereas others prioritize function over form. Consider technical factors such as frame material, spacers, glazing and overall window design. For example, picture windows are well-insulated but lack the…
There are two types of window replacements: full-frame and pocket. As the name suggests, full-frame replacements involve replacing the entire window, including the frame. Pocket replacements, on the other hand, entail installing a new window inside the current frame. In most cases, you should opt for a pocket replacement. Pocket replacements are more affordable than…