When considering new windows, many customers tend to inquire whether they should choose triple pane or double pane options.
Triple pane windows offer advantages over double pane ones, as they enhance the comfort level in your home. When properly installed, they also boost energy efficiency, helping to maintain warmth during the winter months and coolness in the summer, while decreasing reliance on the central air conditioning system.
Let’s explore the differences between these two types of windows and discuss how you can achieve optimal energy efficiency with your window replacement project.
Double vs Triple Pane Windows: What Are They?
To comprehensively address this inquiry, we first need to clarify the term “pane.” A window pane, which is occasionally called glazing, refers specifically to the glass sheet that acts as a barrier between the interior of your home and the external environment.
- Double-pane and triple-pane windows come with two or three panes respectively.
The addition of extra panes to windows resulted in the creation of insulated glass units (IGUs), commonly called sealed units. These sealed units consist of several panes of glass integrated with an energy-efficient spacer, all consolidated into a single unit.
- Argon and Krypton gas fills are usually used between the panes for additional efficiency.
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Which window styles are usually ordered in triple-pane by homeowners?
In Canada, triple-pane windows are commonly utilized to achieve optimal energy efficiency, particularly in colder areas. Nevertheless, not every homeowner opts to install new windows featuring triple-pane glass throughout their residence. To minimize project costs, some windows might be fitted with double-pane glass instead.
- But which windows should definitely have a triple-pane for comfort, energy efficiency and peace of mind?
Generally, it is advisable to prioritize maximum insulation for windows in living rooms, bedrooms, and basements. Furthermore, homeowners typically seek to install transom windows that feature triple glazing, as this significantly improves both the visual appeal and the practical functionality of their homes.
But what are transom windows? Transom windows are small windows installed above doors or larger windows, allowing natural light to enter while maintaining privacy.
- Exterior transom windows are commonly used to brighten entryways and living areas, adding a decorative touch to the home’s facade.
- Interior transom windows can be placed above interior doors to facilitate airflow and light between rooms.
Transom windows that can be opened provide the extra advantage of enhanced airflow, which makes them a suitable option for modern residences. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, these windows serve as a stylish and practical enhancement, promoting a bright and visually appealing living environment.
Triple Pane Windows and Noise Reduction
One more distinction between double and triple pane windows lies in their enhanced capabilities for noise reduction. The unique arrangement of triple-glazed windows, which consists of three sheets of glass with insulating gas-filled gaps in between, allows them to outperform their double-pane counterparts in minimizing sound.
This construction significantly attenuates the transmission of sound waves, while the increased weight of the units helps to dampen vibrations. Additionally, the varying thicknesses of the glass layers disrupt sound wave patterns, further improving their ability to block noise.
How Much More Efficient Are Triple Pane Windows Compared to Double Pane?
The solution is quite simple. The presence of an extra sheet of glass enhances the insulation of the window. In comparison to double-pane models, triple-pane windows minimize heat loss, reduce condensation, and provide superior sound insulation. It’s logical.
Furthermore, one significant advantage of triple-pane windows over their double counterparts is the capability to incorporate additional Low-E coatings. To someone unfamiliar with them, low-emissivity coatings may resemble a tint applied to the window. However, these coatings are actually integrated during manufacturing at a molecular level. Nowadays, nearly all windows produced in Canada include low-emissivity coatings to boost their performance and efficiency, which applies to both double and triple-pane windows.
When paired with the insulating benefits of an extra pane, these characteristics enhance the efficiency of your windows, ultimately leading to a more comfortable living environment.
- Double-pane windows have an R-value ranging from 3 to 3.8, while triple pane window R value can be up to 7- 8, making them more effective at blocking heat flow. This means that replacing double-paned units with triple-paned windows reduces heating costs.
For comparison, a double-pane window that holds an Energy Star rating and has an R-value of 3 experiences a significant reduction in heat loss—ranging from 30% to 40%—when its R-value is increased from 3 to 5
Intended for both new builds and renovation ventures, windows with three panes can reach an impressive R-value of up to 8, contingent on the specific types of windows and the combinations of glass used. This contributes to the understanding of why triple-glazed windows are capable of being as much as 50% more energy-efficient in comparison to their double-glazed counterparts, according to Natural Resources Canada.
- When selecting triple glass windows you also need to consider the overall IG thickness. The majority of manufacturers offer triple pane glasses with an overall thickness of ”7/8 opposed to a 1” 1/4 or 1” 3/8 which is the most effective triple glass configuration. Those can be approx. 30% less efficient
An additional crucial aspect is the method employed to produce the glass units. Reputable manufacturers typically comply with quality assurance certifications like NAMI and NFRC.
Storm Windows For Enhanced Insulation
In addition to using triple-pane glass, another effective method to boost insulation is by adding storm windows. So, what are storm windows? These are secondary installations that can be positioned either on the exterior or interior of a home’s main windows.
Exterior storm windows create an extra layer of defense against severe weather conditions, enhancing energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss during the winter months and helping to maintain cooler indoor temperatures in the summer. Furthermore, they offer protection to the primary windows from elements like wind, rain, and snow, which can contribute to extending the lifespan of those windows.
Replacement storm windows provide an affordable option for homeowners looking to improve their home’s insulation without the high costs associated with completely replacing their current windows. These windows are simple to install and require minimal upkeep, making them a convenient choice for enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency in any residence.
Energy Star windows for maximum energy efficiency
To ensure a high-quality replacement, it’s wise to consider windows that have received the ENERGY STAR rating. You can find a comprehensive list of these windows on the Natural Resources Canada website. These products are designed to meet international efficiency standards suitable for various climate zones.
It’s important to note that different Canadian manufacturers offer a variety of window options, so always inquire about the differences in energy rating (ER) among the various brands. Remember, for a window to qualify as energy-efficient, it must have a minimum energy rating of 34.
Double vs Triple Pane Windows Cost: Calculate Your Project
The cost of windows is a significant worry for numerous homeowners, as replacing windows can become quite expensive if you choose high-quality options that are designed to last a lifetime.
What is the price of new windows? This question often deters homeowners from investing in triple-pane windows.
Understanding the financial implications is essential when considering window replacements, as the initial expense can lead to long-term savings through enhanced energy efficiency and durability. Many people hesitate to make this upgrade due to the perceived high costs associated with top-tier windows.
However, despite the upfront investment, selecting premium windows may ultimately provide better value over time, contributing positively to comfort and energy bills.
It’s crucial for homeowners to weigh the initial costs against the potential benefits of quality windows. This evaluation helps make an informed decision that aligns with both budgetary considerations and long-term goals for their homes.
Ultimately, while the price tag might initially seem daunting, the right choice in window replacement can lead to significant advantages down the road.
Surely, there has to be some benefit in return for the investment. This brings us to the next question:
Is it worth investing in triple pane windows?
If you read American window replacement websites, you will often find claims that spending extra money on triple glazing is not worth it. In most cases, this is indeed true for many regions of the US. However, what makes Canada different? The answer is simple: our climate.
Because the climate in the U.S. is much more temperate than in most Canadian provinces, a high degree of insulation is not always required in window openings: the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is not as significant as it is in the north.
A typical household spends about $2,200 per year on energy costs, and these costs can be much higher for residents of older homes with poor insulation.
It’s impossible to determine exactly how much more triple-glazed windows can save you. However, on average it is thought that they can help you save an additional 2-3% on your annual energy bill.
In reality, this figure is highly dependent on the condition of your home, the structure of your walls, your preferred temperature, and even the condition of your heater. To make the right decision, take a look at how much you spend on heating per month and use this information as a basis for analyzing whether the extra cost of triple glazing justifies your particular circumstances.
Should You Get Double or Triple Pane Windows?
If you’re reading this post, chances are you’re questioning the need for additional investment in your home renovation. But that also means you’re looking for a solution that will save money and make your home more comfortable. Before deciding whether to install double or triple pane windows, it’s important to consider the climate conditions of your region, the quality of your home’s insulation, your current energy bills, and the performance of your existing windows to see which windows you should really invest in.
For example, the side of the house that receives a lot of sunlight is better equipped with windows with a high solar thermal gain and low U-Factor. For windows on the shady side of the house, the situation is the opposite. By strategically planning your window choices for each room, you can save a lot of money on individual windows.
Canglow Windows offers replacement double and triple pane windows and professional installation services in cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon and Vancouver. If you have any questions about our products, their features and the installation process, please contact our customer service team.
FAQs
The time depends on the scope of work and the complexity of the project. On average, window replacement in a typical apartment can take 1-2 days. For a private house, the process may take 3-5 days. However, large or complex projects may require more time. It is better to discuss exact terms with our managers.
Yes, it can be done at any time of the year, including winter. Modern technology and materials allow work to be carried out even at low temperatures. However, winter installation requires additional precautions and may take a little longer. The advantage of winter replacement is the ability to immediately assess the quality of the thermal insulation of the new windows.
The main signs that it’s time to upgrade your windows:
- Drafts and heat loss.
- Condensation between the panes.
- Difficulty opening and closing.
- Visible damage to frames or glass.
- Increased noise from the street.
- Significant increase in heating bills.
Yes, quality replacement windows can increase property values. New energy efficient windows make a home more attractive to potential buyers because they promise savings on utility bills and increased comfort. By some estimates, replacing windows can increase property values by 5-10%.
Usually the windows themselves (profile and double-glazed units) are guaranteed for 3 to 5 years. The installation work is usually guaranteed for 1 to 3 years.
