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!

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4.49 Average  Rating

1521 Reviews

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    We installed the windows in our four seasons room We got some 85 degree days recently and the area stayed amazingly cool usually we would have the AC on it was not needed !!!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Indow has established the complete breadth of custom service, from initial enquiry to being very responsive to "after-sales" questions. Ours was and out-of-the ordinary project involving casement windows in a solarium and the end result turned out quite perfectly. Access to information online, instructions arriving with the delivered windows, and answers by phone insured we "enthusiastic amateurs" completed the job to satisfaction.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    I am very pleased with my Indow window inserts. I have a very old house and am near a busy road. I wanted to reduce the noise. I've just installed them and find a considerable reduction in traffic noise. They definitely were worth the cost. The measuring process is quite detailed but easy to follow and my inserts fit perfectly in crooked, 265 year old openings. The company representative Hannah Hendrickson

    was very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. I highly recommend the Indow

    company.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    I appreciate everything about the whole Indow window process.

    Scheduling and holding a consultation online was easy and seamless. I consultant with KAYA, and he provided a thorough easy-going no pressure to move forward until I was ready consultation.

    Incentives were clearly outlined if I decided to move forward and order to be able to make my inserts even more affordable if I acted in a timely manner with measuring and submitting my order as well as returning the measure kit.

    The Indow inserts arrived within the expected timeframe and installing them was very easy. One of my favorite parts was watching how to install video, because they used humor, and it really held my attention and put me at ease, allowing me to take in all the little details I needed to insert my Indows correctly.

    Within hours, I noticed a temperature shift in the room. It was cooler and more comfortable. The next day when I worked in my office with the Indows the landscaper was across the street with the leaf blower and there was considerable reduction in noise making it a low background buzz instead of a disturbance to the work I was doing. I’ve only had them installed for three weeks and I’ve been so happy with them. It was a great investment for that room in the house that I use for my office.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    A great product. Excellent fit. Greatly reduced outside noise. Easy to install. Very happy!! Match your frame color to your current frame color and they disappear. So glad I got them.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Well it all starts with customer service. 10 out of 10. Brain McCracken did a great job. The waiting period wasn’t long considering they had to make the window inserts and measuring the window units with the laser was actually fun. Worth every penny!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    They are working great! Very happy with the purchase.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    I'm enjoying the units, however will need to wait until next year's colder weather to get a truer feel or read on how well they work - thanks

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    They work very well for my 3 Bedroom windows.easy to install.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    I purchased two Indow window inserts for two west-facing bedroom windows. These windows are exposed to the hot afternoon sun, making it difficult to cool the bedroom, and there is considerable outside noise. The Indow inserts work great at reducing the outside noise and keeping my bedroom cooler. I absolutely recommend Indow window inserts.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Very professional from website to delivery and installation was well explained and easy.

    Noise reduction was quite noticeable and sealing from cold just as good if not better.

    Would recommend 100%.

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Wonderful product

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    My husband and I can finally sleep all night without being woke up by outside noise! Indows are game changers if you live on a busy road, by a loud industrial business or just want a quieter inside environment. The customer service is pretty amazing too! Thanks Indow group for giving us back great sleep!!

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    fit perfect, weny in easyand make a diffrence with noise ,thank norbert

  • 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Easy DIY measuring, and an obvious immediate increase in warmth. Huge difference in a historic home with historic windows.