Windows - double glazing, low-e, or plain single panes?

11 years ago

We will be starting renovations (lounge, dining room, kitchen), including the replacement of our old steel-framed windows with charcoal aluminium framed windows (preferably to other frame types). It's about 25m2 of window space to replace.

I'm looking at more energy efficient windows - i.e. double glazing or low emissivity glass (or a combination). However, I'm not convinced whether the extra expense is justified. Importantly this is for a house in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the winters are not too harsh or long (compared to that of e.g. Europe), nighttime temperatures don't drop below 0 deg C too often and daytime temperatures are quite moderate. However, I would still like to have a comfortable temperature without having to crank up the heaters.

So is it really worth it to go for double glazing or low-e glass?

Double Glazing - works great, a must have if it can fit in the budget

Low-e glass - works well and doesn't add a lot more to the budget

Single glazing is just fine!

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Comments (2)

PRO
Halcyon Shades
11 years ago
We recommend our shades, which act like a thermos keeping those moderate temperatures outside. Check out our gallery for more details: http://www.halcyonshades.com/st-louis/our-portfolio/gallery/
D. L.
9 years ago
Wondering which way you went?

And are you happy?

I made the same decision last year and went with triple pane and I am jumping for joy.

It cost me $7000 installed, but it has changed everything.

My house used to be freezing cold even at 72 degrees F. We used space heaters in every room and electric mattress pads, but now the house is comfortable at 60 F and not all that bad at 55 F and I walk around in short sleeves sometimes even in February while there was an ice storm and serious wind outside.

They say that it takes triple pane windows 20 years to pay for themselves, but I reasoned that if I am still alive 20 years from now, they will have paid for themselves AND made me comfortable every single day of those 20 years and that made it worth it.

The fact I never have to raise the temperature above the low 60's, and oil doubled in price since I put them in, they might only take 10 years to pay for themselves.

Hope you are happy with your choice.
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