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On double hung windows both sashes in the window frame are operable, meaning the top and bottom panes of the window move up and down. Window World windows are Energy Star certified and manufactured with insulated glass and frames to help you maximize efficiency. Window World windows are custom designed to fit your home’s specific measurements.
Replacing old windows can enhance the look of your home and make it quieter and less drafty. Many double-hung windows currently on the market are now easier to clean and maintain than older windows with combination screens and storm windows.
Use our replacement window buying guide to learn which materials, types, and features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased ratings to help you choose.
Use our replacement window buying guide to learn which materials, types, and features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased ratings to help you choose.
Find the Best Replacement Windows
We test, evaluate, and compare the latest replacement windows to give you the best value for your money.
How to Choose Replacement Windows
How We Test
To find out which windows are best at keeping your home comfortable and dry, we tested double-hung windows for resistance to wind and rain. (We don’t test single-hung windows because they’re less common.) Working with an outside lab, we subjected the windows to heavy, wind-driven rain, and winds of 25 and 50 mph at outdoor temperatures of 0°F and 70°F. We found significant differences among brands.
To find out which windows are best at keeping your home comfortable and dry, we tested double-hung windows for resistance to wind and rain. (We don’t test single-hung windows because they’re less common.) Working with an outside lab, we subjected the windows to heavy, wind-driven rain, and winds of 25 and 50 mph at outdoor temperatures of 0°F and 70°F. We found significant differences among brands.
Given the high cost of replacing windows, the more you know, the more informed a choice you can make. Contractors often have their preferred brands, but don’t rely on a contractor to choose your windows for you.
Ways to Save
If your existing frames and sills are still sound and square, you’ll save money on materials and labor by using replacement units. They’re also known as “pocket replacements” and fit into your existing frames. If your frames are too old and deteriorated, you’ll need full replacement windows. These include the frame, sill, jambs, and usually what’s known as a nailing flange, which attaches the window to the outside wall around the opening.
Federal tax credits for Energy Star certified windows expired at the end of the 2016 tax year. But some utilities, as well as city and state programs, offer rebates or incentives if you buy Energy Star windows.
Ways to Save
If your existing frames and sills are still sound and square, you’ll save money on materials and labor by using replacement units. They’re also known as “pocket replacements” and fit into your existing frames. If your frames are too old and deteriorated, you’ll need full replacement windows. These include the frame, sill, jambs, and usually what’s known as a nailing flange, which attaches the window to the outside wall around the opening.
Federal tax credits for Energy Star certified windows expired at the end of the 2016 tax year. But some utilities, as well as city and state programs, offer rebates or incentives if you buy Energy Star windows.
To be clear, though, saving money on your energy bill is not the primary reason to replace your windows. It could take decades to recoup the $8,000 to $24,000 you’ll spend on new windows and installation.
That said, Energy Star certified windows can lower your energy bill by an average of 12 percent. That’s about $27 to $111 per year for a 2,000-square-foot single-story home with storm windows or double-pane windows and $126 to $465 if your home has just single-pane windows, according to Energy Star.
Finding an Installer
Even the best windows won’t deliver the look or comfort you expect if they’re installed incorrectly. Many major window manufacturers train and certify installers for their specific brand of window. Using the same contractor for purchase and installation can minimize the chances of problems arising later. Get multiple bids and look online for certification from the American Window and Door Institute or Installation Masters. Any bid you receive should include specifics such as window brand and model, number of windows, size, and type, plus any add-on features. Installation details should be noted, and labor and material costs broken out separately.
Even the best windows won’t deliver the look or comfort you expect if they’re installed incorrectly. Many major window manufacturers train and certify installers for their specific brand of window. Using the same contractor for purchase and installation can minimize the chances of problems arising later. Get multiple bids and look online for certification from the American Window and Door Institute or Installation Masters. Any bid you receive should include specifics such as window brand and model, number of windows, size, and type, plus any add-on features. Installation details should be noted, and labor and material costs broken out separately.
Glass Housings: Window Materials
Wood and vinyl frames are popular. We also test composite windows that include some made of fiberglass or from a combination of wood and plastic materials. You may still find some all-aluminum windows, but their popularity has declined with the development of vinyl. Our tests find that the material doesn’t guarantee performance and neither does price. You’ll find both excellent and mediocre double-hung wood-frame and vinyl-frame windows. Here are the types of window materials to consider.
Wood Frame
These window frames are made of solid wood with the exterior covered in aluminum or vinyl to protect the wood from the elements and reduce maintenance because they will not need to be repainted. You can choose from a variety of hardware finishes, allowing you to pick a style that matches your home.
Vinyl Frame
They’re typically the least expensive and do not need to be painted or stained. They’re usually white, and most can’t be painted, so keep that in mind if you want to coordinate your windows with the color of the exterior paint. Vinyl frames have fewer hardware options.
![Double Hung Windows Installed Double Hung Windows Installed](https://www.hodgescompany.com/uploads/photos/l/1481751880_vt800-double-hung.jpg)
Composite Frame
These frames are made from fiberglass or from a combination of materials and typically do not need to be painted or stained—though you may have limited color choices. They're also typically the least expensive type of frame. They may have parts made of solid wood and others from laminated wood or plastic with embedded wood fibers. The combination is typically used to give the look of a solid wood window, while trying to make the underlying structure more stable than that of solid wood. Fiberglass windows are made by embedding fiberglass needles in plastic, making them stronger and stiffer than vinyl, but there aren’t many brands available.
The Glass Menagerie: Types of Windows
In addition to materials, variables include the number of panes, how the windows are hinged, how they operate, and how much ventilation they offer. Here’s a look at the various types.
Double-Hung Windows
A widely used choice. The lower inside sash slides up, and an upper outside sash slides down, improving air circulation and making full screens ideal.
Double-hung windows are easy to clean because you can tilt the sash on any of the windows in our tests. They're also a smart choice if you plan to install a window air conditioner, though most now have a fairly high trim on the sill that may require significant shimming to stabilize the air conditioner.
Some double-hung windows in our tests are better than others at keeping out cold air or water. That's important if you live in a place where it's chilly and windy, such as Chicago, or where it's rainy, like the Pacific Northwest.
Double-hung windows are easy to clean because you can tilt the sash on any of the windows in our tests. They're also a smart choice if you plan to install a window air conditioner, though most now have a fairly high trim on the sill that may require significant shimming to stabilize the air conditioner.
Some double-hung windows in our tests are better than others at keeping out cold air or water. That's important if you live in a place where it's chilly and windy, such as Chicago, or where it's rainy, like the Pacific Northwest.
![Hung Hung](https://www.windowconceptsmn.com/websites/windowconceptsmn/photogallery/6053827/wcmn-double-hung-grids-woodgrain.jpg)
Other Types
Awning-Style Windows
They're hinged at the top and open outward. Like casements, the sash presses against the frame, so they close very tightly.
They're hinged at the top and open outward. Like casements, the sash presses against the frame, so they close very tightly.
Casement-Style Windows
Though a smaller part of the market, they provide an unobstructed view. They're hinged on one side, and a crank lets you open them outward. When fully open, casements allow good ventilation and easy cleaning. They're usually more airtight than double-hung because when closed the sash locks tightly against the frame. However, window air conditioners cannot be installed in casement windows.
Though a smaller part of the market, they provide an unobstructed view. They're hinged on one side, and a crank lets you open them outward. When fully open, casements allow good ventilation and easy cleaning. They're usually more airtight than double-hung because when closed the sash locks tightly against the frame. However, window air conditioners cannot be installed in casement windows.
Fixed Windows
These are used where lighting but not ventilation is important. They’re airtight and are available with decorative glass accents or in unusual shapes.
These are used where lighting but not ventilation is important. They’re airtight and are available with decorative glass accents or in unusual shapes.
Hopper-Style Windows
The opposite of awning windows, they’re hinged at the bottom and can open either inward or outward.
The opposite of awning windows, they’re hinged at the bottom and can open either inward or outward.
Single-Hung Windows
They look like double-hung, but only the bottom sash moves. (They usually cost less as a result.) The top sash is sealed to keep cold air and water out.
Find CR's Window Ratings HereThey look like double-hung, but only the bottom sash moves. (They usually cost less as a result.) The top sash is sealed to keep cold air and water out.
Double Hung Vinyl Replacement Windows Installed
Video Buying Guide
Watch our buying guide video below for more information on how to find the best windows for your house, and handy shopping tips for when you’re at the store.
Features to Look For
Here are a handful of important features to consider when you are shopping for new or replacement windows.
Cladding
Today’s wood-framed windows are clad in aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass to protect the wood from the elements and eliminate painting. They tend to be the most expensive but are more attractive than other materials. Many brands offer various wood types, such as pine, maple, and oak, for the interior. It can be either painted or stained at the factory, or you can add it to your to-do list.
Double or Triple Glazing
Double-glazed windows have a sealed space between two panes of glass filled with air or argon gas, typically to slow the transfer of heat through they window. Gas provides better insulation and is standard on many windows, but the energy savings won’t justify paying more for it. Triple-glazing adds a third layer of glass, which reduces noise significantly. Energy savings are improved, but not enough to justify cost in all but extremely cold climates or where there is a constant and very loud noise (such as near airports or major freeways).
Low-E Coating
Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are transparent and improve the efficiency of the glass by reflecting heat yet letting light in. The coating is applied to the outside glass in warmer climates to reflect the sun's heat out, and in colder climates it's applied to the inside glass to keep heat in. But keep in mind that any coatings applied to glass, no matter how transparent, reduce the visibility.
Tilt-In Sashes
On single and double-hung windows, the sashes (the moving part of a window) can be tilted in for easy cleaning. Almost all brands have this feature.
Replacement Window Brands
Andersen, Marvin, and Pella are the leading window brands. Many leading manufacturers in the window industry market multiple brands. Andersen and Marvin sell some lines only to authorized installers, and home centers such as Lowe's and Home Depot sell multiple lines. Use these profiles to compare windows by brands.
Alside vinyl windows have several replacement and new construction lines including double-hung, casement, and bay windows. Alside windows are custom made to fit existing window openings. They are sold predominantly in the Eastern and Mid-Western parts of the country at independent home centers and also sold at Lowes.
Andersen is one of the leading manufacturers and marketers of windows. Renewal by Andersen windows are available in multiple replacement and new-construction lines in widely sold double-hung and casement styles. Andersen window lines include wood, clad, vinyl, and composite construction, and also low-emissivity (low-E) and argon-filled (gas-filled) glass for high efficiency. Andersen markets a line of stock sizes and has extensive special-order and custom options. They're widely available through independent home centers, dealers, and Home Depot. Andersen also markets a line of vinyl windows under the American Craftsman brand at Home Depot and a composite line under the Renewal by Andersen name through certified installers.
Atrium vinyl windows have several replacement and new construction lines including double-hung, casement, and sliding windows. Atrium offers a wide selection of custom built vinyl windows in a variety of styles and colors as well as a variety of glass and grid options including low-emissivity (low-E), argon-filled and triple pane glass. They are sold at independent home centers and through Lowes’ Reliabilt service.
One of the leading manufacturers and marketers, Marvin windows are available in multiple replacement and new-construction lines in widely sold double-hung and casement styles. Marvin's window lines include wood, clad, and composite construction, along with low-emissivity (low-E) and argon-filled (gas-filled) glass for high efficiency. Marvin markets a line of stock sizes and has extensive special-order and custom options. They're sold through independent home centers and dealers and are premium-priced.
Jeld-Wen is one of the leading manufacturers and marketers of windows, which are available in multiple replacement and new-construction lines in widely sold double-hung and casement styles. Jeld-Wen window lines include wood, clad, vinyl, and aluminum construction, along with low-emissivity (low-E) and argon-filled (gas-filled) glass for high efficiency, and are sold through independent home centers and dealers.
One of the leading manufacturers and marketers, Pella makes its windows available in multiple replacement and new-construction lines in widely sold double-hung and casement styles. Pella window lines include wood, clad, vinyl, and aluminum construction, plus low-emissivity (low-E) and argon-filled (gas-filled) glass for high efficiency. The company markets a line of stock sizes and has extensive special-order and custom options. Its windows are widely available through Pella company-owned stores, dealers, independent home centers, and Lowe's. Pella also markets a line of windows under the ThermaStar by Pella name at Lowe's.
Reliabilt vinyl windows are available in multiple replacement and new-construction lines in widely sold double-hung and casement styles, plus low-emissivity (low-E) and argon-filled (gas-filled) glass for high efficiency. Reliabilt windows are available in stock sizes and extensive special-order and custom options. They're sold at Lowe's.
Simonton vinyl windows are available in multiple replacement and new-construction lines in widely sold double-hung and casement styles, along with low-emissivity (low-E) and argon-filled (gas-filled) glass for high efficiency. Simonton windows are available in stock sizes and extensive special-order and custom options. They're sold at Home Depot and through dealers.
Window World is one of the leading manufacturers, dealers, and marketers of replacement windows. Window World sells a variety of window configurations including double-hung, casement and bay. Window World offers a variety of stock window sizes, and provides installation. Window World windows are sold at Window World retail centers and through partnerships with independent home centers.
Weather Shield wood-clad windows are available in multiple replacement and new-construction lines in widely sold double-hung and casement styles, along with low-emissivity (low-E) and argon-filled glass for high efficiency. Weather Shield windows are available in stock sizes and extensive special-order and custom options. They're sold through dealers.
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Installing double hung windows can help you to improve the value of your home, as well as improve insulation and aesthetic values. Installing a double hung window is similar to other window installations. With some experience, and some help from a friend, you should be able to complete installation in about an hour.
Measure and Build
Measure how wide the opening is for your window. You may need to add lumber to some sides in order to make the window fit. It is always easier to add to the frame than to take away from it. Keep this in mind when choosing the sizes of your double hung windows. The exact size or a bit smaller will take less time and fewer steps to install. After the size of the opening is correct, you can move on to the next step.
Bend Back the Flange
Double hung windows have a nailing flange that is bent along the sides of the window. You will need to bend the flange out in order to properly secure the window to the frame. You can use the edge of a hammer to get under the metal and then bend it in place with your hands. You may prefer to use gloves for this portion in order to avoid cutting your hands on the raw metal. Apply some caulking to the center of the flange before installation. The caulk helps to prevent moisture from seeping though the attachment point.
Place the Window
Now you will need a friend to help you. Place the window into the framed opening. Place the bottom of the window first, and tilt the window slowly in until the top of the window is placed into the frame. Check that the window is level and flush. After doing this you can use rust resistant nails to nail the flange into the frame.
Check the Seal
Make certain that you have a complete seal around the window. If any areas didn't seal well, a self adhesive seal will do the trick. In order to protect the other areas, place a layer of roofing paper around the window. Tuck any edges into the siding or secure the edges and cut if you will be stuccoing around the area. A bead of caulking on the edge of the paper will help to seal out moisture as well.
Finishing the Project
Fill in any gaps that placing the window made. Use small pieces of wood to fill them in. Now your window is ready for trim. It's easier to use trim around a replaced window than to try and stucco or even find matching siding. The trim also adds a finished look to the outside of your home. You can also use trim on the inside of the home in order to finish the project off.
With a little time and a bit of effort you can install your own double hung windows.