Are storm windows as good as double-paned windows? Do they save as much when it comes to energy costs?
Short answer: No. Long answer: While storm windows do not save as much energy as double-paned windows, they do save some energy. If you have single-paned windows, storm windows can especially help in the winter. They operate on the same principle as double-panes: an insulating layer of air between two layers of glass (or plastic, in the case of lower-end storm windows). However, in storm windows, the seal between the two pieces of glass is not as tight, and argon gas is not present to add insulation value. In double-panes, the space between the two panes is also very small to eliminate convection currents that carry heat. Convection currents are circular movements within a gas (such as air) that are caused by expansion as its temperature rises. In a storm window, that space is large, so the insulation value is not as great. In the winter, this doesn’t matter. You need heat to stay in your house. Storm windows do save a little money in the winter. In the summer, though, storm windows lo
