Many individuals and families are benefiting from having double glazed units installed in their homes. The “go green” phase has quickly caught on around the world. As a result, many people are choosing energy efficient products to complement their homes, lessen their environmental impact, and in the long run, save themselves some money. Double glazed units are only one of the changes in a long line of options that people are making.
Double glazed units are a descriptive name for home windows. As the name suggests, the windows have two panes of glass instead of one. A space is left between the two panes of glass, which typically measures in at several millimeters in thickness. Air is trapped between the two panes of glass where it forms an added layer of insulation which makes double glazed units very efficient. 
During installation, before the double panes are sealed off, a thin coat of a drying agent is applied to the units. This process helps the units become airtight. The purpose is to stop condensation from forming between the panes. Condensation is a good indication that the double glazed units are not airtight. In that case, the entire unit must be replaced.
Highly Efficent Double Glazed Units
Homeowners are having these types of double glazed units installed because they are energy efficient. When a single pane unit is installed in the home, up to 60% of the home’s heat is lost through the unit. The solution is to replace single pane units with double units. This move may be expensive initially, but in the end, the new double paned units will end up saving the homeowner a noticeable amount of money in heating costs. On average, most homeowners see a 10 – 12% decrease in their heating bills.
Double glazed units are also leaders in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted from homes. Homes contribute as much as 28% of CO2 emissions. Replacing single paned units with double paned ones is not only a cost effective solution for homeowners, it is also an environmentally friendly one as well, because it allows individual homes to decrease their carbon footprints. The amount of outside noise penetrating the windows is also greatly reduced.
A home that has double glazed units is often a more comfortable home to live in than one with single units. Double glazed units are an effective preventative measure against drafts. Less heat escapes out of the home and less cold air finds its way in. Walking by or sitting in front of a double glazed window on a chilly or even freezing day doesn’t mean getting hit with a cold blast of unwanted air.
Double units use a type of glass called Low–E, or low emissivity glass. This type of glass allows sunlight and heat to penetrate the double window panes and warm the home but prevents it from leaving again. Most of today’s units also come with a draft proofing feature built directly into the units.
During the warmer months, these types of units are beneficial to homeowners as well. Many homes use air-conditioning systems to keep their occupants cool and comfortable. Double glazed units are more efficient when it comes to preventing cool air from escaping to the outside.
Something most homeowners find comforting is the fact that double glazed units provide an extra layer of security to their homes. Often times, when a burglar tries to gain entry into a home, the windows and doors are the first methods of entry they try. Double glazed windows are much harder to break through than single paned units and are built with their own locking mechanisms.
What are Double Glazed Units made of?
It is typical for a double glazed units to be made from laminated glass or glass that has been manipulated to increase strength. Not only is it harder to break this type of glass, the glass typically doesn’t shatter, which points to less injury in the case of an accident. In most cases, one pane of glass prevents the second pane from being broken during a mishap, such as a stray baseball.
Many homeowners have noticed that the addition of double glazed window units has helped to increase their property values and benefit the appearance of their homes. These types of units can be purchased with many different style frames including aluminum, steel, plastic, and wood to complement the home’s existing exterior. Frames can be purchased in a spectrum of colors. The units themselves act as great selling points should the homeowner decide to sell their property in the future.
Since double glazed units prevent condensation build-up, frames around the units tend to last longer. Condensation can spell disaster for wooden frames over time, causing them to rot. On days when it is cold outside, homeowners tend to dial up the heat. With single glazed units this can cause steam or fog to appear on the panes of glass. This does not happen with units that are double glazed.
Saving money and energy by using double glazed units is a win for all homes installing the units. How much money and energy saved per home varies and depends on a number of aspects including the size of the units, the type of unit and its energy rating, the materials used to construct and install the unit, and how experienced and thorough the installer is. On average, most homeowners replace their single glazed units with double glazed units that are at least a B rating and often higher.
Some homeowners toy with the idea of spending money on units that are double glazed. The initial investment is more expensive than going with a single unit. In the long run, however, the investment pays off and it does so pretty quickly. Typically, a unit that is double glazed only needs replacement every 20 years or so.
Also, the units have added value to the home and reduced the amount of money needed to spend in order to keep the home heated and comfortable during cold seasons. For a majority of homeowners, double glazed units have proved to be a sound investment.
