Will the increased efficiency of triple pane windows pay off? There’s no doubt that they will help, but are they worth the cost? Let’s take a look.
Triple pane insulated windows are unquestionably better at keeping your home warmer or cooler in the appropriate season. They can benefit you in other ways, but the upfront cost might cause others to not consider them an option. But they can end up saving you money in the long run. Keep reading to learn more.
Understanding Triple Pane – Insulated – Windows
In triple pane windows, an extra pane of glass and an additional gas chamber between the panes improves window performance. While double pane windows can lower heat loss by 50%, triple-pane models prevent even more heat loss. The less heat you lose, the less you’ll spend on heat and energy bills. In fact, according to Family Handyman, you can cut 2-3% more off your energy bill than you would with double pane windows.
Energy Efficiency of Triple Pane Windows
You can depend on triple pane insulated windows to provide better performance and potential energy savings, especially as indicated by U factors (heat transfer), and SHGC (ability to control solar heat gain.) In Northern and colder climates, like here in Northern Utah, you should be most concerned with the U-factor, while SHGC is the more important variable in the South.
Improving U-factors is where the difference between panes of glass makes a big difference:
- Single pane windows have a U-factor of 1
- Double pane windows have a U-factor of 0.30
- Triple pane windows have a U-factor of 0.12
What Better Efficiency Means in Dollars and Cents
As energy efficiency is the wave of the future, windows with triple panes are expected to become the norm for creating a comfortable home. As a homeowner, there are several things you need to weigh when you replace windows.
- Triple pane insulated windows are more costly to install; however, you can expect to recoup up to 78% of your costs when you sell your home. While some companies might have overpriced options and charge 40% more, you should realistically expect to pay at least 10%- 15% more than double pane windows.
- With the increased efficiency, the Department of Energy says you can expect to see about a 7% to 15% or between $71 and $501 decrease in energy bills, depending on your geographic location.
Rebates Can Offset Costs
You may get some help paying for triple-pane windows for your home. To offset part of the cost of insulated windows, utility companies in most states offer increasing rebates the more efficient your windows are. Rebates vary by state, but in Utah, many of the glass and the electric companies offer rebates if your windows meet specific criteria. In general, the lower the U-factor of the window, the higher the credit. A triple pane window option will usually qualify for a larger rebate with a lower U-factor than double pane windows.
Mountain States Windows and Siding in Utah
If you’re interested in learning more about the efficiency of triple pane windows for your home, contact the window replacement experts at Mountain States Windows and Siding. We are dedicated to helping you find the best options for your specific needs, and within your budget, so you can guarantee you’ll have the best window service with us. If you’re looking to replace your windows and you live in Utah County or Salt Lake County, Utah, contact us today to get started.
