Fortunately, in recent years, double-paned windows, along with other energy-efficient features, have become more standard.

Deitz pointed to a guinea pig behind the double-paned window.

"We are now finding that the old-fashioned storms were as good or better insulators than the double-paned windows," he said.

From indoors, the double-paned window exhibits none of the streakiness.

The double-paned windows cut out most of the traffic sounds.

Today's double-paned windows delay discovery of fires and make temperatures higher.

Nearly all these hotels have new double-paned windows, and walls are usually thick, though street sounds still seep through.

But other houseowners like 79th Street, especially after they have installed double-paned windows.

Moreover, double-paned windows are also standards on new houses and many older ones these days.

There was also a large lobby with a double-paned window looking into the largest studio.