Have you decided to invest in replacement windows? What made you finally decide to take the leap? Was it the incredible energy saving benefits new windows offer? If so, you’re not alone. For a typical home, 40% of the annual energy budget goes toward heating and cooling costs and replacing the windows in your home is great way to keep more of that money in your pocket.
Since energy efficiency is such an important fact to consider when getting replacement windows, we are often asked, “How much better are triple pane windows than double pane windows at saving money on energy bills?” This is a great question, and definitely an important question to address. But, deciding between these two window types isn’t as easy as calculating cost to efficiency. Here’s what you need to know.
WHY TRIPLE PANE WINDOWS ARE THE BEST
Folks who chose triple pane glass windows choose them for the comfort. If you measure the temperature on the inside glass of a double pane window and a triple pane window on a cold winter day, the interior glass of the double pane window is going to be cooler. For this reason, homes that have all triple glass windows are cozier. Triple pane windows are within a degree or two of the wall temperatures at any given time. This creates a high level of occupant comfort and reduces convection currents and drafts. If comfort is your biggest concern, triple pane windows will be the best option.
A reduction in energy bills isn’t the only reason customers choose triple pane glass. Some of our customers are also looking for a reduction in noise. The extra pane of glass makes this window option the number one choice for keeping noise out. If you have noisy neighbours or live near a busy street, triple pane windows can really make a difference.
WHY DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS ARE THE BEST
If you break down the math, double pane windows are the best bang for the buck. This is probably why it is the number one window choice. When you upgrade your current windows to double pane windows, you’re going to notice the difference. A standard double pane window with argon gas is going to reflect 90% of the energy and only let 10% through. That means on a sunny day, 90% of the heat from the sun is going to stay outside, and only 10% is going to get in. On a cold winter day, 90% of the heat from your furnace is going to stay inside your home and only 10% is going to leak out. In comparison, a typical triple pane window will reflect 97% of energy and only allow 3% to pass through. Since triple pane windows can cost ⅓ more than double pane windows, it makes sense to go with double pane windows if you’re looking for the best deal up front.
Do you like natural light? When you have two panes of glass instead of three, you’re going to have fewer coatings for the sun to get through. That means double pane windows will allow more light into your home. It is a subtle difference, but one to consider.