If you live where the temperatures stay below freezing for months at a time, window performance isn’t just a line item, it affects everything from energy bills to indoor comfort. Many Wisconsin homeowners come to us wondering if single hung windows hold up as well as double hung ones once the snow piles up. It’s a fair question with real consequences for heat retention and home maintenance.
In this article, we’ll break down how each window type works, how they handle drafts and ice, and what long-term performance looks like in cold climates like ours. Based on thousands of installations across southern Wisconsin, we’ve learned which designs hold up, and which ones wear out faster under freeze-thaw stress.
Reality check: One moving sash makes more of a difference than you think
At first glance, single and double hung windows seem almost identical. The main visible difference is how they open. But in real-world use, especially during cold snaps, that one moving sash can mean the difference between a reliable seal and a drafty room.
Reality check: Single hung windows have fewer moving parts, but once that bottom sash warps or loosens, there’s no way to vent without letting in cold air.
Warning: In homes with older single hung units, the inability to open the top half makes moisture control harder. That matters when bathroom steam and indoor humidity freeze near window edges.
Note: We’ve inspected homes where all the single hungs had visible frost rings by late January, even though the windows were less than a decade old.
What to Expect from Single Hung Windows
Fewer mechanical parts
Single hung windows have a fixed upper sash and a lower sash that slides vertically. This keeps the design simple and slightly reduces the chance of mechanical failure.
Slightly better factory seal
With only one operable sash, there’s less opportunity for air leakage. That’s helpful during mild seasons, but not a guarantee once Wisconsin’s deep winter sets in.
Warning: If the lower sash’s weatherstripping fails, and it often does after about 8–12 years, there’s no top sash to fall back on. You’ll feel it on your feet near the window line.
Pro tip: In colder counties like Green and Jefferson, we often advise against placing single hung windows on windward walls or high-humidity rooms unless paired with active ventilation.
Why Double Hung Windows Handle Cold Better Long-Term
Full vertical control
Both sashes move independently. That means better airflow in summer and more moisture control in winter. Opening the top slightly can help release trapped heat without pulling in cold drafts from floor level.
Easier cleaning in upper stories
Many double hungs tilt inward. That helps prevent ice crust from building up undisturbed on the outer pane, a common issue with second-floor windows during freeze-thaw weeks.
Reality check: More moving parts means more maintenance. Spring-loaded balances can fail after 12–15 years, especially on wider windows. But those parts are usually replaceable.
Note: With annual upkeep and proper insulation, double hung windows tend to hold their R-value better over a 20-year lifespan compared to single hungs, which often degrade faster in cold climates.
Energy Efficiency Breakdown
Cold air infiltration
Both styles can be ENERGY STAR rated, but real-world performance often shows double hungs with tighter sash locks and improved weather seals. This helps during winter pressure shifts.
U-factor values (lower is better) for double hungs in our region typically run around 0.25–0.29, while single hungs range from 0.26–0.31.
Condensation risks
Single hung windows are more prone to fogging along the bottom sash due to reduced air circulation. In bathrooms or kitchens, this often leads to early seal failure.
Reality check: If your bathroom or laundry room window is single hung and you notice frost buildup every January, that’s not a coincidence. It’s airflow restriction plus trapped indoor humidity.
Cost Differences and Longevity
Upfront pricing
Single hung windows cost less. Most run between $300–$550 per unit installed, while double hungs of the same size and glass package range from $400–$700 depending on brand and features.
Lifespan under cold stress
In Wisconsin, double hung units that receive seasonal tune-ups (cleaning, seal check, balance lubrication) often last 20–25 years. Single hungs, on the other hand, show weatherstripping wear and sash warping as early as 10–15 years in exposed walls.
Pro tip: If you plan to stay in the home long term, that $100–$150 per window difference often pays off by year 12 in heating savings and fewer seal failures.
Cold Climate Variables That Matter
Wind exposure and orientation
North- and west-facing walls take the brunt of wind chill. Double hung windows with reinforced sash locks tend to hold up better against sustained winter gusts in open-lot homes or near farmland.
Ice dam runoff and air leakage
Attic heat leaks melt roof snow, forming ice dams that push water toward the window frames. Once that water hits a failing single hung seal, moisture damage is quick to follow.
Note: On 2nd-story dormers, we’ve replaced more single hung units damaged by ice damming than any other style. The fixed upper pane often traps hidden frame moisture until it’s too late.
Expert Take on Window Selection
“The biggest long-term issue with single hung windows in this climate is ventilation and sash seal wear,” says Jeremy Kolt, licensed building inspector based in Eau Claire. “They’re fine in mild seasons but tend to fail quietly in the cold, until frost shows up.”
Heins Contracting has replaced over 2,200 single and double hung units across southern Wisconsin in the last three years. Based on what we’ve seen, the window’s direction, purpose, and room humidity level should always guide your style choice, not just cost or appearance.
FAQ: Single vs Double Hung in Cold Regions
Which style is more energy efficient in winter?
Double hung windows usually perform better due to tighter sealing at both sash edges. U-factors below 0.28 are more common with upgraded double hungs.
Do single hung windows last as long in freezing climates?
Not always. The lower sash often develops wear first, and without a second vented sash, moisture gets trapped. Most fail earlier unless maintained yearly.
Is the price difference worth it for double hungs?
If you plan to stay in the home 10+ years, yes. You’ll likely avoid early replacement and get better cold-weather performance, especially on wind-facing walls.
Which is easier to clean in winter?
Double hungs, especially on upper floors. Their tilt-in sashes help reduce exterior buildup and simplify snow-day maintenance.
Choose the Window Style That’s Built for Midwest Winters
The best window isn’t just about what opens easier. It’s about what keeps your heat in, moisture out, and keeps performing when January brings subzero wind chills. Single hungs may win on price, but double hungs often hold up better where it counts, in the middle of winter.
At Heins Contracting, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners choose windows that work for their layout, budget, and location. We’ve seen the problems that come with shortcut decisions, and how the right window can prevent them for decades.
Whatever you decide, don’t base the choice on style alone. Let your home’s exposure, room use, and long-term heating needs guide the call.
