Performance of Storm Windows vs Regular Windows

The performance of storm windows vs regular windows can depend on what windows you have to start out with. In this blog we’ll cover typical replacement windows and storm windows, what insulation you can expect from each and what noise abatement performance to expect out of each category.

Storm Windows

Storm windows are a second window pane added to the outside or inside of your already existing window. Exterior storm windows attach to the outside of your window frame and interior storm windows to the inside of your window frame.

Replacement Windows

Replacement windows replace your already existing windows – either by installing a new type of window style or technology, or because the seal on the old window has failed.

close up of one of indow window insert options

Replacement Window Options

The most popular replacement windows are double hung and casement, wood frame, vinyl frame, or fiberglass frame. Casement style windows are more airtight than double hung, so they will provide more insulation and defense against drafts than double hung. Double or triple glazing adds an extra pane of glass with air or gas between them. This provides better insulation and sound reduction (especially triple glazing), but can be very expensive. Low-E coating reflects heat to improve efficiency. Read the consumer report on replacement windows.

“Star-qualified windows can lower your energy bill by an average of 12 percent. That’s only $27 to $111 a year for a 2,000-square-foot single-story home with storm windows or double-pane windows, $126 to $465 if your home has just single-pane windows, according to Energy Star.” claims the replacement window consumer report. Interior storm windows can save an average of 20% on energy bills according to the third party studies.

indow storm windows vs regular windows

Storm Window Options

Adding an interior storm window to a double-pane window can reduce outside noise up to 50% (10-12 dBA). Adding an interior storm window to a single-pane window can reduce noise up to 70% (18.9 dBA). Replacement windows reduce outside noise up to 20%. This data is based on third party studies performed with Indow window inserts. Because the insert is made of acrylic, it blocks sound better than standard window glass. A near airtight seal is created between the insert and the glass, which also helps Indow window inserts reduce outside noise.

Old windows receiving storm windows might need some restoration before this type of performance can be expected. Meanwhile, replacement windows will bring the performance described as soon as they are installed. Storm windows can provide different needs—acoustic or UV protection—in just one room or window that fits that space’s needs.

Analyze your space to determine your needs. Is noise an issue for your? Then storm windows are probably the way to go. You can read our full comparison of storm windows vs replacement windows to get a better idea.

person walking by restored window

How to Get Storm Windows

All inserts are backed by a Snug Fit Guarantee because of our laser measurement system. Here’s how we do it:

We send you a laser measure kit with a fun laser measure tool (pew pew). It works just like a flashlight—with the press of a button, you get the dimensions. Enter the measurements displayed on the tool into our online portal. It checks for accuracy.

Our fit experts check the measurements for accuracy (again). If everything looks good, dimensions are on their way to becoming your custom insert. It’s that easy.

We developed the tool and software (with error detecting algorithm) because it’s the best way we know how to seal windows for winter.

Trusted Since 2010

Indow has insulated more than 23,000 buildings - helping reduce carbon emissions by nearly 200,000 tons - and creating comfort across the US & Canada!

Reviews

Excellent

4.50 Average Rating

1554 Reviews

Reviews.io logo

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    My Indow insert works really well at cutting down the traffic noise from the street outside, which was my goal when purchasing this insert. I have a large window and with the detailed measuring instructions, I got a good fit. It was not difficult to

    install even by myself, as one person. This company was recommended to me by a friend, and I will now highly recommend this company if you are looking for great customer service and a quality produce. Thank you!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Very high quality materials used in the design and construction of window inserts and easy installation and care videos. Top notch communications of the product progression phases and questions answered in a timely manner.

    I am very impressed with these inserts and the high degree of care that went into their construction and delivery. Very good company and I thank all the workers for the good craftsmanship you provide to such a wonderful product.

    Well done.

    Craig

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    We purchased a total of 7 Indow 'Acoustic' Window inserts for the purpose of reducing the level of noise inside our home from our neighboring home's outdoor A/C - Heatpump units on either side. We couldn't be more pleased with the results. The noise level is reduced (NOT completely) but to the degree that we find ourselves looking out the window on occasion to see whether or not those outside units are actually running. There is a dramatic reduction in the noise level from prior to our installation. Thank you Indows!!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Window replacement is so expensive. Indow window inserts are a great alternative to extend the life of your windows. Since we had no mechanical issues with the windows inserts were a good choice.

    The staff was great to work with. They gladly answered any questions I had. The inserts were very well packaged for shipping. It was a fine experience from start to finish.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    We received our windows and installed them right away. We live very close to a busy highway behind our home, so noise has always been an issue. We ordered the acoustic inserts for three windows, and I can honestly say I noticed a difference immediately. The sound isn’t completely gone (which is understandable with a highway nearby), but it has been reduced enough that I no longer need to sleep with earplugs, which is a huge win for us.

    The customer service was also great — they were helpful and kept us updated throughout the entire process. Installation was fairly easy, and the installation videos were very clear and helpful. Overall, we’ve been very happy with our experience and have already recommended this product to a friend.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    The indow window company and their staff are great Partners in battling the cold winter drafts coming through your windows and helps keep your home warm and cozy.. Wonderful company and great customer service..

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Overall I am happy with the results. They do exactly what is advertised online.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    We ordered the Thermo insulation inserts for our cabin off the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA. The windows are old and drafty and with the wind and the cold that has happened this year, the inserts have really came through. We used to see the curtains move when the wind was blowing hard and the cold would come right through the windows. After installing the inserts, which was so easy, there is a night and day difference with the window inserts and the house is actually warmer and the heat is not running constantly. These inserts have saved us thousands of dollars in window replacments and you can not even tell that the inserts are in the windows. Thank you Window Inserts for all your help.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Excellent product for windows outside noise problems. Bought 2 Indow inserts for our bedroom windows. I was hesitant at first, but after installing our new acoustic Indows I was impressed. It really cut down on outside noise tremendously. Got few estimates for 2 new windows to replace the old ones. The cost of installing new windows was a shocker. Now, I am happy with my choice to go with Indows. Highly recommend!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    This was the easiest install, as well the team are amazing, get right on a call answer the questions, there support is fantastic. I measured all my windows live near a street looking to knock down the noise.

    I tested this bought Indows installed them Noise went down shipping, timing and quality was great.

    Now I’ll install 4 more.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Thank you indows! We are very happy with our 5 new indows which were delivered by Fedex and in

    perfect shape when opened. Our dining room and adjoining room are warmer in the cold, which is a bit more this winter

    The indows were installed easily by myself and my wife as expected and look great. In total we have installed 8 of your products. Thank you again, Randy and Mary Jane.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    The inserts came as scheduled. They were crated very well. They fit perfectly. Great product and service.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Quick delivery and the windows fit very well even with how many anomolies there were in our 107 year old house. Installation took longer than I expected with 12 units to install, but once I figured out what I was doing it went much quicker. We ordered white frames with the plan to eventually repaint all the interior trim. In the mean time, the frames hide very well with our curtains and sheers. We are glad to get the decreased noise and improved thermal performance without ruining the exterior of this historic home.

  • 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    My home is about 500 ft. from an interstate highway and had been looking for a solution to reduce the highway noise, especially 18-wheeler truck noise all night long. What pushed me to finally make a decision was the 9 month highway repair project with trucks moving back and forth with their loud beeping when going in reverse (every 20 seconds) all through the night, every week night. I opted for the acoustic inserts, which took 3 months to receive from the time of my order. I was not happy about the 3 month waiting period. I was very timely with measuring the windows which included an arched window which I had to trace. The measurement process required 10 hours of time, most of which was the tracing (including time and cost to make several trips to buy materials for this). When they finally arrived, I installed the inserts and had approximately a 30% reduction in decibel levels. After nearly $5,000 in costs, I was hoping to have had better noise reduction.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    I live in a house that’s over 100 years old so some of the windows are odd sizes and drafty. Originally I ordered 3 Indow window inserts for my dining room to try them out. I was so impressed with their appearance and effectiveness at insulating and reducing sound that I decided to order more. Recently I ordered another 9 Indow window units for my living room, bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen. Both of the orders went very smoothly. They arrived well packaged and in perfect condition. I have already installed all of them and just in time as Chicago and most of the midwest has just been hit by a winter storm and blizzard with below freezing temperatures and 8-12 inches of snow. I couldn’t be happier they look fantastic as well as being practical and functional. My home is so much warmer and quieter now that they have been installed. Indow’s pricing was great and they gave me discounts as a returning customer and for bulk purchasing. Customer service, instructions and follow up were all excellent. Such a wonderful company and product.