As the most advanced window available on the market today, many people have upgraded from their single and double pane windows to energy-efficient triple-pane windows. A triple-pane window is created with 3 layers of different glass with a uniform spacer, making a gap between each pane. They are designed to be airtight with the help of a seal between each glass layer. The sealing abilities and gaps between each pane allow for gas pockets to be inserted in order to improve insulation as well as energy-efficiency.
Triple Versus Double-Pane Windows
Triple and double-pane windows offer a considerable improvement over single-pane windows, whether it being energy savings, noise reduction, or their insulating properties. However, when it comes to choosing between them, there are generally two main factors to consider. The first and most important factor is the energy-efficiency and insulating properties. This is indeed why most consumers end up investing in triple-panes. The second deciding factor is often the difference in price. Comparing the costs of each will show that there is only a slight difference in price, but it’s important to keep in mind that while triple-pane windows do cost more, the level of insulation and energy savings they provide can offset the higher price tag over time.
The Benefit of Installing Triple Pane Window
As one of its most attractive features, triple-pane windows have an outstanding insulation performance, especially in areas with extreme weather. They offer the ultimate in-home comfortability by helping maintain a constant indoor temperature.
Save with Triple Pane Window Installation
Because there are three layers of glass and two gas pockets to insulate the home from outdoor temperatures, you end up spending less on home heating and cooling. Triple-pane windows keep the heat out during the hot summer months, and during the cold winters, they keep the heat in, which can have a significant impact on your energy bills. Triple-pane windows have multiple layers that offer the opportunity of adding multiple coatings. Each layer of glass can have one coating. A triple-pane offers up to three times as much protection as a regular window. An invisible Low-E coating on the glass surface stops heat loss through windows while allowing sunlight in. Low-E coatings also block harmful UV rays which can damage the interior of the home from prolonged exposure.
Enhanced Safety
Due to its construction, triple-pane windows are much harder to breach – whether by a flying projectile striking the window, or a burglar. With professional installation, they are simply more rigid and durable than traditional windows.
Sound Proofing
Triple-pane windows are highly effective at reducing noise and sound transmission too. This is mainly due to the added third window layer. A soft spacer between window glazings helps to prevent sound transmission into the home. The extra glass layer and spacers can reduce noise by 15 – 20% and not only improve home energy efficiency but really cut out all the unwanted noise emanating from your surrounding area. Anyone living in a busy city or noisy neighborhood can benefit from the many advantages of a triple-pane window.
How Efficient are Triple Pane Windows?
An average home can lose as much as 10% of its heat through the windows, but older homes with drafty windows can lose as much as 30% or more. Anybody in the market for replacement windows should consider the energy-saving abilities of a triple-pane. This window type is, on average, 25% more efficient than double-pane windows and up to 50% more efficient than regular single-pane windows. This can save homeowners a significant amount on their monthly energy bills – anywhere between 2-5% – depending on the type of window and the quality of the installation. Triple-pane windows cut energy costs in 4 ways:
Airflow: Cold and hot air is carried by airflow. Triple-pane windows seal 100% preventing hot and cold drafts from entering the home.
Conduction: Heat can transfer through surfaces like glass and metals. Triple-pane windows with special coatings and gas pockets prevent this transfer.
Convection: Heat transfer through windows can create hot surfaces which in turn heats the air around them. Triple-pane windows stop heat transfer.
Radiation: Direct heat radiating through a transparent window can be blocked and controlled by an energy-efficient triple pane window.
Choosing Triple Pane Spacers
Heat can move through the spacers between each pane, limiting its potential efficiency. An effective spacer will slow down heat exchange, creating a much more efficient seal. If you are purchasing triple-pane replacement windows, consider opting for a warm edge spacer. This type of spacer slows down the heating process, increasing overall efficiency.
Triple Pane Gas Types
Triple-pane windows have two pockets available for filling with an energy-efficient, non-toxic gas. The two most common gas types used is argon and krypton which are chosen for their high insulation factor. Argon gas is the most commonly chosen for its non-toxic, clear, and odorless properties. Krypton gas has the same properties but offers a much higher level of insulation. Consider the following common gasses and their thermal conductivity (measured in W/mK):
Krypton: 0.0094
Argon: 0.016
Carbon dioxide: 0.015
Air: 0.024
Nitrogen: 0.026
How Much Do Triple-Pane Windows Cost?
There’s no set price when it comes to triple-pane windows. The price will naturally depend on the type and size of the window, as well as the materials it is made from. You can purchase a low-end window of a certain type, like fiberglass, for roughly the same price as a high-end window of another less expensive type like vinyl, for instance. This makes it very hard to pinpoint exactly how much you should be paying per triple-pane window. However, the average cost for a replacement triple-pane window installation can come in anywhere from $550 – $850 per triple-paned vinyl window, whereas wood can come in as high as $1250 per window. This does not include the installation which will be affected by your local cost trends.
Conclusion
Triple pane windows are available in every style so you can customize them to suit your personal preference, home design, and local climate. Overall triple-pane windows offer higher value than single and double-pane. The overall higher performance is the most attractive aspect, and for many consumers, the main reason for replacing their older windows with some triple-pane windows. However, it’s extremely important that you consult with a local expert before you go ahead and replace your windows. With so many window companies out there, it can be tricky to know which company is best for you, so be sure to compare estimates as well before you commit to doing business with anyone.