When it comes to replacing the windows in your home, you’ve got options. Your final choice comes down to style and budget, but most homeowners will choose between casement windows and double hung windows.
Both window types are energy-efficient, durable, and easy to clean. Both casement windows and double hung windows can be made of double pane or triple pane glass and use virtually any window frame material. The main difference between casement windows vs double hung windows is how you open them. However, this fundamental difference can impact what kinds of windows you get and where you put them.
So, what are the main differences between casement windows vs double hung windows? And which ones should you go with for your window replacement project? This guide breaks it all down.
What Are Casement Windows?
Casement windows swing out and away from your house. You release a lever lock on the side of the window and swing the window out using a mechanical crank at the base. Thanks to the clean lines and open glass styles, casement windows have a modern look.
Casement Window Pros
Casement windows are generally easier to operate due to the cranking mechanism. Instead of having to lift the window using your arms and possibly legs, simply unfold the crank from the window base and turn.
Because casement windows operate as a single piece, the glass is one continuous pane. This clean look offers you an unobstructed view of the outside and lets more light into the room.
Casement windows can also let more of a breeze inside. You’re able to open it more than a double hung window, and with the window away from the house, you can catch and direct more air inside. And because the screen is on the inside of the casement window, it’s easier to pop out and clean whenever you need.
Casement Window Cons
While casement windows have a wide swing to let more air in, if you live somewhere with strong winds or accidentally leave them open on a windy day, there’s a chance the windows will blow off the house. And because the windows swing away from the house, it can be more difficult to clean the outside without the help of a pro.
It’s also very difficult to install a standard air conditioning unit in a casement window. While there are window units designed for casement windows, they tend to be expensive.
The mechanical crank will wear out and eventually fail. Once the crank stops working, you won’t be able to open your window outside of breaking the glass until you install a replacement. And while the crank is wearing down, air will start to leak in through the mechanism.
What Are Double Hung Windows?
A double hung window consists of two parts: an upper sash and a lower sash. Each sash of the double hung windows slide independently on a track. Most people move the lower sash up to let air in, although you can opt to open just the upper sash or slide both window sashes to the middle of the window to change how air flows in.
Double hung windows have a traditional or classic look and are easily identified by the upper and lower sashes:
Double Hung Windows Pros
Double hung windows are generally a more budget-friendly option for replacement windows. Because double hung windows have no mechanical parts, they’re easier to maintain.
While double hung windows have been difficult to clean in the past, many modern double hung windows have a swing-in sash, making them easier to clean and maintain. And since you can keep the lower sash closed while opening the upper one, some people feel double hung windows are safer than casement windows when small children and pets are around.
Double Hung Windows Cons
Because the sashes on a double hung window need to move freely, they can’t create an airtight seal, making them less energy efficient than casement windows. Even with a swing-in style sash, keeping the screens on a double hung window is harder because they are outside the house and exposed to the elements.
Even though double hung windows don’t have mechanical parts that can fail, the sliding motion can wear the track down, making it harder for the sashes to stay where you want. And depending on where you place your double hung window, you may not be able to get the right leverage to open the window at all.
Casement Windows vs Double Hung Windows: Head to Head
| Casement Windows | Double Hung Windows | |
| Operation | Easy thanks to the crank mechanism | Harder because it requires a lifting motion |
| Cost | More expensive because of the mechanical parts | Generally less expensive than casement windows |
| Energy Efficiency | Is airtight which is very energy efficient | Not as energy efficient because of the track, but weather stripping can help |
| Style | More modern | More traditional |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean the screen; not as easy to clean the outside of the window | Harder to clean the screen; can be equally difficult to clean the outside of the window depending on the sash style |
Are Casement Windows or Double Hung Windows More Energy Efficient?
In general, casement windows are the more energy efficient option. The latch lock and stronger seals create an airtight closure that keeps air from seeping in.
Double hung windows need a track that’s loose enough to allow easy opening and closing. Unfortunately, this is a great place for air to leak in. However, you can install weather stripping around the track in the colder months to improve energy efficiency.
Do Casement Windows and Double Hung Windows Cost the Same?
As a rule, casement windows are more expensive than double hung windows. This is due to the crank mechanism and latch lock. On average, you can expect to spend between $550 and $1,000 for one casement window and $425 to $875 for one double hung window. The window’s size and the frame material you choose will impact the final price.
Can I Install Casement or Double Hung Windows Anywhere in My House?
While the type of replacement window you choose often comes down to personal preference and budget, you also need to consider where you’re installing them.
Casement windows open outward. This means you have to consider what’s just outside your window and if a casement window will interfere with it. Think about where people might walk or if there are bushes, trees, or other landscape features that might get in the way.
Likewise, a double hung window requires strength to open. If you place them in a hard-to-reach spot, say behind some heavy furniture or over a sink, you may have a hard time opening and closing them or even reaching them.
Choosing the Right Window Style for Your Home
Ultimately, the choice between casement and double hung windows depends on your budget and preferences. Casement windows offer more energy efficiency and are easier to operate, but double hung windows are more budget-friendly and don’t have parts that can break down.
Not sure if you should get casement or double hung windows for your project? The pros at Lake Washington Windows and Doors are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your estimate.
