Now considered the standard window, double-pane windows have steadily replaced single-pane windows due to their improved energy efficiency. They can provide a substantial improvement in the comfort of a home, and reduce utility bills quite a bit. Even today’s double-paned windows compared to double-paned windows of 15-20 years ago are a much better product. Double-paned windows are absolutely worth it – and we’ll throw in an Argon gas upgrade at no charge! We feel it should be standard in today’s windows.

According to Energy Star®, you can save up to 31% on AC bills in the Southwest by upgrading from a single-pane window to double-pane windows on your home. Even better, a $412 monthly utility bill in the summer can drop to as little as $185 for a Phoenix resident – that’s a significant 51% drop!

Owner Sal Sucato suggests most homeowners may see a more modest decrease of 25-35% for their homes, depending on many variables. And if you already have double-pane windows on your home, consider replacing them if they’re more than 15-20 years old. We’ve seen a lot of improvements in window energy efficiency since then, and modern windows are substantially better than those manufactured a few decades ago. You might be surprised at the difference it can make on your utility bills.

If it’s time to replace your older windows, call us today for an estimate. You’ll appreciate our 5-star reputation, lifetime installation warranty for as long as you own your home, and careful attention to details!

Triple-pane windows are also available from many manufacturers now, too, but we don’t recommend them for desert climates. They are very expensive, and provide a better return for the extra costs in cold weather, not hot.  For more information, you might find our article “Do Triple-Pane Windows Save Money” helpful.

Cleaning a double-pane window is much like cleaning any other window. Since you can’t clean between the panes of glass, which are hermetically sealed, you’ll simply clean the glass on the interior and exterior. It’s best to use a cleaning product approved by the manufacturer, but we’re fond of e-cleaning clothes that use only water. They work very well, with no ingredients that can damage delicate films and coatings. We don’t recommend using a vinegar or ammonia based product.

If cloudiness is simply condensation on glass inside the home, that can be wiped away with a dry cloth. It’s not a concern or a sign the windows aren’t energy efficient, or that the argon insulation (if you have any) has failed, it simply means the the glass on the inside of the home is warmer than the outside, which is common inside of a cozy, warm house when it’s a cold winter day outside.

If the cloudiness is between double panes of glass, there is no way to clean between the glass. We recommend reaching out to the installer to see if there is an issue that an existing warranty might cover, or having a windows and doors company come out to the home to check if the seals have failed. If it’s just one window, a glass repair company can swap out the double-paned glass as a single unit, replacing it with a new unit that is sealed with argon gas. There’s no need to call a window and door company, who typically don’t handle one repair.

You cannot clean the inside of a double-pane glass window. The two panes are sealed inside the window frame as a single unit, often with an Argon gas insulation between them. If there is something between the panes that requires cleaning, such as insect activity, mold, dirt or moisture, it’s most likely that the seal of that window has been compromised and needs to be replaced.

If you know who installed the windows, it’s best to contact them, since they can determine if a warranty service call is required.

If you aren’t sure who installed the windows, and you are having issues with three or more windows, we recommend calling a windows and doors company for a quote on new windows.

If it’s just one window, call a glass repair company, who can swap out the entire double-pane unit.

Double-paned windows can drastically reduce noise when compared to a single-pane window, but for the best noise suppression, we recommend considering triple-pane windows. They won’t help much with energy efficiency in hot weather, since they’re most suited to cold climates, but they can make a substantial impact for noise reduction.

We recommend speaking with a window and door company who can talk about the various pros and cons of different manufacturer products, and the cost impact of various noise suppression options. It can be quite expensive, so be prepared to compare costs so you can make an educated decision whether it’s worth the upgrade to your budget. If the problem impacts just one side of your house, such as an extremely noisy neighbor or adjacent freeway, you may want to consider triple-paned windows on that side of the house, or just the bedroom window on that side, and matching double-pane windows throughout the rest of the home where noise isn’t an issue.