The difference between single-hung and double-hung windows is simple. On a single-hung window only the bottom sash moves. On a double-hung window both the top and bottom sashes open. Double-hung windows give you more ventilation and are easier to clean on upper floors, while single-hung windows generally cost less.
The windows you choose for your Connecticut home affect more than its curb appeal. They also affect ventilation and utility bills, so it pays to understand the two most popular styles of vinyl replacement windows before you decide.
What Are Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows?
A sash is the framed section of the window that holds the glass. Both styles have two sashes, one above the other, and from the street they look almost identical.
On a single-hung window, the bottom sash slides up to let in fresh air and the top sash is fixed in place.
On a double-hung window, both sashes move. You can slide the top sash down, slide the bottom sash up, or open both to control how much air moves through the room.
Single-Hung vs. Double-Hung Windows: How They Compare
Ventilation
Heat rises, which is why upstairs rooms get hot. With a double-hung window, opening the top sash lets warm air escape while opening the bottom sash lets cooler air in. If a room tends to get stuffy, double-hung is usually the better choice.
Cleaning
Both styles are easy to clean, because the movable sashes tilt inward so you can wash them from inside the house. On a double-hung window both sashes tilt, so you can reach all of the glass without a ladder. That makes double-hung windows a particularly good option for upper floors.
Location in the House
Both styles suit a wide range of architectural styles. Single-hung windows tend to be popular in one-story houses, and double-hung windows are often used in multi-story homes.
Think about how easy the window will be to reach. There is no reason to put a double-hung window high on a wall where someone would struggle to open the top sash. A single-hung window makes more sense there.
Cost
Single-hung windows generally cost less than double-hung versions. In a house with many windows, the difference can add up.
Which Should You Choose for Your CT Home?
You do not have to pick one style for the whole house. Many homeowners use double-hung windows in bedrooms, upstairs rooms and anywhere airflow matters, and single-hung windows on the first floor or in hard-to-reach spots where the top sash would never be opened anyway.
If you are replacing windows as part of a larger exterior update, it is a good time to look at your entry doors and patio doors too, so the styles and colors work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell single-hung and double-hung windows apart from outside?
Usually not. They look very similar when closed. The difference is in whether the top sash moves.
Are double-hung windows worth the extra cost?
They are in rooms where you want better airflow or easy cleaning from inside, such as second-floor bedrooms. In other spots a single-hung window does the job for less.
Are both types available in vinyl?
Yes. Single-hung and double-hung are two of the most popular styles of vinyl replacement windows.
Get Help Choosing the Right Style
Aladdin offers well-crafted vinyl replacement windows that make your house more energy-efficient and are easy to clean. If you are not sure which style fits each room, or you would like an estimate, ask our family-owned team or call (203) 776-9996.