Hampton Green Homes

You know that saying, “Everything old is new again”? Well, that’s also true for double hung sash windows. One of the world’s oldest window designs is actually one of the most energy efficient-a real state-of-the-art thermodynamic ventilation system for your home! For today’s energy-conscious homeowners that means eco-friendly cost savings. Instead of the old weight and pulley system, most of today’s window replacements use spring balances.

So how do they work? Double hung windows open vertically, with a sash that slides up and down. Both top and bottom sashes can be opened, and because they operate independently, you can open one and keep the other closed, depending on the type of air flow you want in your home.

Why is that important? Let’s pretend it’s a warm summer day. As you know, hot air rises and cold air sinks. When the top sash is open, the warm air naturally escapes and is replaced by the cooler air flowing in through the lower sash. In other words, double hung windows provide low-cost air conditioning.

Come winter, when the days are shorter and darker, these beautiful, tall windows allow lots of light into your home, which in turn can help banish those winter blues.

Double hung windows don’t use up any outdoor space when opened, making them a good choice next to walkways, porches or patios…almost anywhere. But there are several more benefits with today’s double hung replacement windows:

1. Easy to Clean: Yes! Both sashes tilt in for easy-access cleaning. You may never have to wash windows from the outside again. (The top sash in a single hung window does not move.)

2. Save time and resources: High Performance Low-E4 window glass can reduce water spots by up to 99%, and that saves water consumption for you and for our environment. If your windows are hard to reach, the upgrade cost is minimal in comparison to the convenience.

3. Convenience: By opening only the top sash, you prevent unwanted drafts from disturbing your comfort. Or you can open both the top and the bottom a little for balanced ventilation.

4. Child Safety: The top sash can be opened for ventilation while the bottom sash is closed, an extra measure of safety if you have curious small children in the room.

5. Classic Beauty: Some people hesitate to replace their house windows for fear it will change the original look of the home. With double hungs, you can maintain the home’s original look, or can add new interest to your home’s exterior and interior. For maximum flexibility, look for a window that offers a different frame finish on the inside from what is on the outside. You can keep the original look on the outside, and update the Interior with different colors or even wood grain finishes.

Some manufacturers have more than 25 color combinations–and you can change on every window, if you wanted. Double hung replacement windows can also be arranged in a number of ways-as a single unit, doubled or on either side of a fixed, insulated window. The look can be traditional, contemporary, arts and craft…you name it. Today’s design options are almost limitless.

If you’ve been shopping for windows, or it’s time for window replacements in your home, you need to take a look at some of the high performance material options on the market today. The reason so many double hung windows are being replaced in the first place is due to wood rot or because they don’t open and close easily any more.

Composite materials usually made of vinyl, wood and a binder never rot, and can offer exactly the same look as wood without the expense and maintenance. Fiberglass window frames may be another option to consider. They won’t rot either, but can cost as much as 30% more than wood.

Now, how can you beat all that? Charm, convenience, and energy efficiency. Not only are double hung windows still the most popular, they are today’s most beautiful “green” choice.