Double hung windows Chicago are beloved for their traditional look, excellent ventilation, and ease of cleaning. These windows feature two movable sashes that allow for balanced air circulation—a welcome feature in the windy city’s variable climate. Both sashes tilt inward, making cleaning a breeze, especially for upper-floor installations.
- Traditional Look: Classic and timeless, perfect for homes with historical or colonial charm.
- Ventilation: Both sashes move, enabling optimal airflow.
- Ease of Cleaning: Sashes tilt inward for straightforward maintenance.
I’m Voytek Glab, the owner of Perfect Windows & Siding. With over 25 years of experience in window installation and replacement in the Chicagoland area, I’ve helped countless homeowners choose the perfect double hung windows Chicago has to offer. Let’s explore how these windows improve home aesthetics and functionality.
Benefits of Double Hung Windows
When considering double hung windows Chicago, residents often prioritize three main benefits: energy efficiency, easy maintenance, and curb appeal. Let’s dive into each of these advantages.
Energy Efficiency
Double hung windows are designed with energy savings in mind. Their two operable sashes make it easy to control airflow, allowing you to let in cool air from the bottom and release warm air from the top. This feature is invaluable in optimizing indoor climate without over-relying on heating and cooling systems.
For even greater efficiency, many double hung windows come with triple coat 366 LOW E glass and Super Spacer technology. These innovations help minimize heat transfer and maximize comfort, making them a smart choice for Chicago’s varying seasons.
Easy Maintenance
One of the standout features of double hung windows is their ease of maintenance. Both sashes tilt inward, allowing you to clean the exterior glass from inside your home. This is especially helpful for homes with multiple stories, eliminating the need for ladders or professional cleaning services.
Additionally, these windows often come with a constant force counter-balance system. This system ensures smooth operation and reduces the need for frequent adjustments, making your life a little bit easier.
Curb Appeal
Double hung windows add significant curb appeal to any home. Their classic design complements a wide range of architectural styles, from Victorian to modern. Available in various colors and finishes, these windows can be customized to perfectly match your home’s aesthetic.
By choosing virgin vinyl options, you not only get a durable and low-maintenance material but also one that improves the overall appearance of your home. This material resists fading and warping, ensuring your windows look great for years to come.
Incorporating these benefits into your home can make a noticeable difference in both functionality and style. Next, we’ll explore the top options for double hung windows in Chicago, focusing on installation and replacement custom to the local climate.
Features to Consider
When you’re in the market for double hung windows Chicago, understanding the key features can make all the difference. Here are three important aspects to keep in mind:
Constant Force Counter-Balance
One of the standout features of modern double hung windows is the constant force counter-balance system. This innovative mechanism ensures that both sashes of the window open and close smoothly. Unlike older systems that might require frequent adjustments or become difficult to operate over time, a constant force system provides reliable performance for the life of the window. This means you can enjoy hassle-free ventilation without worrying about mechanical failures.
Triple Coat 366 LOW E Glass
Energy efficiency is a top priority for many homeowners, especially in a city like Chicago with its hot summers and cold winters. Triple coat 366 LOW E glass is a game-changer in this regard. This advanced glass technology features three layers of silver coating that reflect heat, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The glass also reduces UV rays that can fade your furniture and flooring. By choosing windows with this feature, you can improve your home’s comfort and potentially reduce your energy bills.
Virgin Vinyl
For those seeking a durable and low-maintenance option, virgin vinyl is an excellent choice. Unlike recycled vinyl, virgin vinyl is made from new materials, offering greater strength and longevity. It resists fading, warping, and cracking, even in extreme weather conditions. This makes it particularly suitable for Chicago’s diverse climate. Virgin vinyl windows are also easy to clean and maintain, requiring little more than a quick wipe with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best.
These features not only improve the functionality and longevity of your windows but also contribute to the overall aesthetic and energy efficiency of your home. In the next section, we’ll dig into the top options for double hung windows in Chicago, focusing on installation and replacement services that cater to the local climate needs.
Double Hung Windows Chicago: Top Options
When choosing double hung windows for your Chicago home, it’s crucial to consider how they fit into the local climate and your specific needs. Here’s a look at top options focusing on window installation and replacement that cater to Chicago’s unique weather conditions.
Window Installation
Installing new double hung windows is a significant investment, but it’s one that can pay off in improved energy efficiency and improved curb appeal. In Chicago, where temperatures can vary drastically from summer to winter, proper installation is key. A well-installed window can help prevent drafts and leaks, ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round. Professional installation services can make all the difference, ensuring that your windows are fitted correctly to withstand the city’s harsh weather.
Window Replacement
If your current windows are outdated or damaged, replacing them with double hung windows is an excellent choice. Replacement windows not only improve the look of your home but also boost its energy efficiency. In Chicago, where winters can be brutally cold, replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient models can lead to significant savings on heating bills. Double hung windows are particularly beneficial because they allow for better ventilation while maintaining a tight seal when closed.
Chicago Climate
Chicago’s climate presents unique challenges for homeowners. The city experiences hot, humid summers and freezing, windy winters. Double hung windows are well-suited for this environment because they offer flexible ventilation options. In the summer, you can open both sashes to allow for maximum airflow. In the winter, you can open just the top sash to let out humid air without letting in cold drafts.
Choosing the right double hung windows for your Chicago home means considering both the installation and replacement options available to you. With the right windows, you can enjoy a more comfortable home environment, no matter what the weather outside is like.
In the next section, we’ll tackle some frequently asked questions about double hung windows to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Double Hung Windows
How much should a double hung window cost?
When budgeting for double hung windows in Chicago, it’s helpful to understand the cost range. On average, double hung windows can cost between $300 and $700 per window, depending on materials and features. The national average sits around $500 per window. Factors like the type of glass, frame material, and any additional features like energy-efficient coatings can influence the price. Investing in quality windows can lead to long-term energy savings, especially in a city with Chicago’s climate extremes.
What is the disadvantage of double hung windows?
While double hung windows are popular for their classic look and versatility, they do have some drawbacks. One common issue is air leaks. If not properly installed or maintained, these windows can allow air to seep in or out, reducing energy efficiency. Another potential disadvantage is their slightly complex operation compared to single hung windows. Both sashes move, which means more parts that could potentially wear out or require maintenance over time. However, many modern designs use advanced counter-balance systems to minimize these issues and ensure smooth operation.
How much do double hung impact windows cost?
If you’re considering impact-resistant double hung windows for added security, especially against Chicago’s unpredictable weather, expect a higher price range. Impact windows generally cost between $700 and $1,500 per window. These windows are designed to withstand strong winds and flying debris, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to protect their investment. While they come at a premium, the peace of mind and potential insurance savings can make them a worthwhile investment.
Understanding these aspects of double hung windows can help you make an informed decision for your home. In the next section, we’ll wrap up with how Perfect Windows & Siding can provide custom solutions for your window needs.
Conclusion
When it comes to double hung windows in Chicago, Perfect Windows & Siding stands out as a trusted partner for homeowners. We specialize in crafting custom solutions custom to the unique needs and preferences of our clients. Our family-owned business has been serving the Chicago area with dedication and expertise, ensuring that each window installation or replacement project improves the beauty and efficiency of your home.
One of the key benefits of choosing Perfect Windows & Siding is our commitment to quality. We offer a lifetime warranty on our products, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected for years to come. Our windows are not only designed to withstand the harsh Chicago climate but also to improve your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal.
Whether you’re looking to replace old windows or install new ones, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. We start with a free, accurate estimate, ensuring transparency and helping you make informed decisions. Our installers are highly trained and experienced, ensuring that your windows are installed correctly and efficiently.
Ready to transform your home with new double hung windows? Contact Perfect Windows & Siding today for a free consultation and see how we can meet your window needs.