Are you trying to decide between casement vs. double-hung or another type of window? Check out this guide to popular window styles to use in 2020.

More than just an aesthetic choice, the windows you adorn your house with can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs and take your home value up to the roof or down to the basement.

Casement vs. double-hung windows, sliding vs single hung; a quick summary of the many styles of windows available to you can save you from missing out on your best match.

If you want to combine quality, efficiency, beauty, and affordability, this guide is your key to success.

Casement Vs Double Hung and More

1. Casement

Casement windows have been and continue to be a popular window option. Casement windows swing open horizontally, usually controlled by a crank.

These windows have only a single pane of glass, the whole of which opens, which makes them easier to clean than double-hung windows. Both sides of the glass are easily accessible.

Casement window’s simple design has a single seal that runs around the edge of the window, with no additional seals that run across the window. With only one seal to maintain, you can keep air out more easily. This helps make casement windows good insulators, keeping your home at the temperature you desire and lowering your energy bills.

Since the entire window pane swings open casement windows also allow excellent ventilation.

Casement windows also provide greater visibility because they do not block the window pane down the middle by a sash frame. While their visibility is undeniably better, whether you think windows look better with a sash frame is a question of taste.

They are also prairie style windows, a testament to how long they’ve been tested and approved of. If we’re still using a prairie style window today, it can only be because it works.

Casement windows have many advantages, but quality often comes at a price. Casement windows are more expensive than other options like single and double-hung windows.

2. Double Hung

Another of the most enduring styles of windows is the double-hung window. These windows split the window into two halves or sashes, with each sash movable.

The first thing to say about double-hung windows is that they are cheaper than casement windows, though still more expensive than the basic single hung design.

Double-hung windows are also quite good insulators, though not as good as the casement window. They offer only half as much ventilation, since you can open one sash or the other, but not both halves at the same time.

On the other hand, double hung windows are the go-to choice if you want to use a window air conditioner. Open one sash to make a space to put the air conditioner and seal off any open space around the sides. You can’t do that with a casement window!

Additionally, if something hits your window, it’ll probably only damage one of the two sashes in a double hung window, whereas the whole single pane of glass in a casement window would likely break. If your window is at risk of being damaged, you might go the double hung route and save yourself some window panes.

3. Single Hung

Single hung windows are like double hung windows, split into two sashes, but only one sash can open.

They enjoy many of the same advantages of the double hung window, including ease of repair and easily accommodating air conditioners, as well as being an even cheaper option.

If you want a cheap window that you need to be able to open, single hung windows are your cheapest option.

4. Sliding

Sliding windows are a modern window choice that are a breeze to open and shut.

Casement, double hung, and other styles of windows can only get so big because you have to be able to manage their weight as you open and shut them. But with sliding windows, the frame supports the weight, and you just move them to the side! The sliding window style allows you to have very long windows, providing excellent home illumination.

Sliding windows can be difficult to seal as tightly as other styles, so you might want to consider other options if powerful insulation is a priority for you.

5. Picture

A picture window is probably the simplest possible style. It is simply a pane of glass fit into a frame. It doesn’t open.

Obviously a picture window will do nothing for your ventilation. But if that’s not a dealbreaker, they have some big advantages to consider.

They have the best insulating power, since their seals can be tight with no need to be able to open or shut anything.

Because of their simplicity, picture windows are even cheaper than single hung windows. Plus they can be even bigger than sliding windows, since you don’t have to be able to move them at all.

For insulation, illumination, and affordability (but not for ventilation), picture windows can be a great choice.

6. Window Grids

Window grid styles split the window up into many small panes arranged in a grid.

They lose some insulating power by having so many seals that need to be kept tight, but window grid styles have some benefits, too.

Replacement window grids can be easy to install, since only one piece of the window is likely to break at a time. Instead of having to replace a large pane, you can take out just the broken piece and replace it.

The window grid style also has its own special aesthetic and is a great choice if you’re going for a colonial look.

Window Installation

Once you’ve picked the window you need, you’ll need to think about the installation. Since window installation is a tricky job, it’s best to leave it to professionals.

Getting Your Windows and Everything Else Right

In buying home windows and in life, getting the details right matters.

LivesOn has articles on other home improvement issues and on topics like love, money, and travels. Whether you need to assess casement vs. double-hung windows or want to make your travels stress-free and fun, check out our other resources and get more out of your life!