The Efficiency of Triple-Pane Windows

Types of window frames and materials displayed

For a while, standard practice was for homes to have single-pane windows; today, you can expect your property to have double or triple-pane windows. As this illustrates, not all windows are created equally, nor do they function at the same caliber. 

There are seemingly countless options when selecting the windows for your house, which might feel overwhelming. Choices include aluminum, vinyl, sliding, casement, krypton gas-filled, argon gas-filled, and more! One of the biggest differences in windows is the number of panes the window features, double-pane versus triple-pane. If you’re in the market for new windows, it’s essential to understand your options and have all of the information. 

If you’re deciding between double and triple-pane glass windows and are wondering, “Are triple-pane windows worth it?” this article is for you. Today, we’re looking at the differences, comparing and contrasting the two, looking at the pros and cons, and, most importantly, the efficiency of triple-pane windows.

Keep scrolling to learn more below.

What are triple-pane windows?

Triple-pane windows, commonly referred to as triple-glazed windows, consist of three layers of glass with two gaps of air between each pane. This design is meant to provide better energy efficiency and insulation for your property compared to traditional double-pane windows and dated single-pane windows.

Triple-pane Windows

The energy efficiency of triple-pane windows

Dual-pane windows are considerably more energy efficient than single-pane windows, but triple-pane windows are undoubtedly the most energy efficient windows you can buy. Double pane windows insulate your house almost twice what a single pane window can do, while the triple pane option maximizes energy efficiency even more. 

In fact, on average, triple-pane windows are 50 to 70% more energy efficient than their single-pane counterparts. But what makes triple-pane windows so much better at conserving energy and saving you dollars on your energy bill?

One contributing factor to the triple panes’ improved energy efficiency is the insulating value between each pane of glass. The rating measurement for the overall insulating value of your windows is referred to as the R-value. The greater the R-value, the better insulated your window is. 

Since triple-pane windows have more layers than single or double panes, the insulating R-value is better than any other type of window.

The additional pane of glass and air gaps that triple-pane windows feature help reduce heat transfer, making panes even more effective at keeping the inside of your home comfortable year-round; cool during hot weather and, alternatively, warm during cold weather. Property owners can expect this to lead to significant cooling and heating cost savings.

Triple-pane glass windows are traditionally made with low-emissivity (low-E) glass, featuring a thin coating used to reflect harmful UV rays and heat from the sun. This aids in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while protecting your interior investments, such as flooring furniture, from becoming damaged by sun exposure.

Outside of boosting thermal performance, triple-glazed windows also improve sound insulation. The multiple layers help reduce noise transmission outside the property, creating a more peaceful and quiet indoor environment.

Other perks of triple-pane windows

In addition to increased home energy efficiency and a more peaceful, quieter interior, triple-glazed windows have other benefits. Here are two others worth mentioning:

  • Functional windows, even if one of the panes breaks — As the name suggests, triple-pane windows have three panes of glass. Property owners can still enjoy a functional window even if one of the panes breaks or is otherwise damaged. The window essentially turns into a double pane window and still features one layer of insulating gasses.
  • Greater security for your home — More layers of glass mean more to break through for an intruder trying to bust in. This means a triple pane window is 50% more difficult to break through than a double pane window and 200% more challenging than a single pane window. 

Three panes of glass can be a major deterrent since breaking through this type of window makes a lot more noise, takes longer, and causes a bigger commotion. This all equates to drawing more attention to a would-be intruder. Triple-pane windows are a great deterrent for potential intruders.

So, are triple-pane windows worth It?

If you’re a property owner, you may wonder, “Are triple-pane windows worth it?”

The answer to this question depends on your situation and personal preferences and opinions. If you plan to stay in your property for a significant amount of time, investing in triple-pane glass windows is definitely worth it. 

Remember that it takes a few decades to recoup the difference between low-E double-pane windows and the triple-pane option.

Say you pay $1,000 every year in energy bills, have 20 double-pane windows, and 22% of your energy goes through them (which is an average amount and to be expected). This means each window loses nearly $11 worth of energy yearly. A triple-pane window is more energy efficient and reduces your loss by about $1.50. So, it will take 35 years to cover the $35 uncharge.

Of course, if your utility bills and energy losses are more extensive, you’ll make up the cost faster.

Outside of money, the investment might be worth it for your comfort. Triple-glazed windows reduce condensation significantly, permitting a higher indoor relative humidity in cooler temperatures. These kinds of windows also help reduce uncomfortable cold drafts.

Some homeowners don’t want to pull the trigger and invest in triple-pane glass windows for the entire house, so they get them for east- and north-facing rooms. These are rooms where you’ll see the biggest payoff. However, do not expect to recoup your investment as quickly if you only swap out some of your double-pane windows instead of all of them. 

Certainly, triple-pane windows perform better, and all these benefits can add up. However, the more significant savings come from more extreme climates, like properties found in the colder Northern Utah area along the Wasatch Front and back.

Interested in triple pane windows? Let Mountain State Windows & Siding help!

If you’re thinking about upgrading the windows throughout your property, consider triple-pane windows from Mountain State Windows & Siding.

There’s no denying that even the highest quality triple-pane windows are only as good as the installation team behind them. For this reason, reach out to Mountain States Windows & Siding. Our experienced and trusted team is dedicated to making the window upgrade and installation process the best property improvement project you have ever taken on.

In our years of service, we’ve learned that the best quality experiences are found in the details, large and small. Our team puts countless hours of hard work and craftsmanship into every project. But without the necessary experience, knowledge, tools, and time, we wouldn’t be much.

Thankfully, our team of qualified technicians have years of experience in the industry and are ready to take on your home renovation project. Whether you are upgrading your current property with new windows or are in the process of a new build and need windows installed, we are here to help. When you choose Mountain States Windows & Siding, rest assured you choose the best.

We only supply high-quality products and services, so you know that your new windows will surely boost your home’s value and curb appeal, allow natural light in, cultivate a peaceful, quiet environment, keep out unwanted intruders, and ensure that your property is well-insulated year round, regardless of the temps outside. 

We serve residential and commercial properties in Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Lehi, Orem, and neighboring cities across the Wasatch Front. And if you’re taking on a home remodeling project, make sure to consider Mountain States Kitchen and Bath for all of your kitchen and bathroom renovation needs!

Contact the Mountain States team today to learn more.