Are Triple Pane Windows Worth the Extra Cost?

You’ve probably heard a lot about energy efficient triple pane windows. They’re quieter and more comfortable than double pane, and they’ll save you some money on your energy bill. But will they save you enough to justify their extra cost?

In cold regions like New England, triple pane windows can save two to three percent of your energy costs over double pane windows.

What Are Triple Pane Windows?

Triple pane windows, also known as triple glazed windows, consist of three layers of glass with air gaps in between. They’re designed to provide better insulation and energy efficiency compared to traditional double pane windows.

The additional insulating glass and air gap reduces heat transfer, making triple panes more effective at keeping the interior of a building warm during cold weather and cool during hot weather. This can lead to significant savings on heating and cooling costs.

Besides improved thermal performance, triple pane windows also offer enhanced sound insulation. The multiple layers reduce noise transmission from the outside, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment.

Triple pane windows are typically made with low-emissivity (low-E) glass, featuring a thin coating that reflects heat and harmful UV rays. This maintains a comfortable indoor temperature while protecting furniture, flooring and other interior elements from fading or damage from sunlight.

Are Triple Pane Windows Worth the Money?

Maybe, if you’re planning to stay in your house for a long time. It will take a few decades to recoup the 10 to 15 percent upcharge to go from low-E double-glazed windows to triple-glazed.

Say you pay $1,000 per year in energy bills, have 20 windows and lose 22 percent of your energy through them (which is average). That means each window loses $11 worth of energy per year. A triple-pane energy efficient window will reduce that loss by about $1, so it’ll take 35 years to cover a $35 upcharge. Of course, if your energy bills and energy loss are greater, you’ll recoup the cost sooner.

However, the investment may be worth it for comfort. Triple glazing reduces condensation, permitting a higher indoor relative humidity in cold weather. These windows also reduce cold drafts.

If you don’t want to pay for triple pane windows throughout the house, get them for the north- and east-facing rooms, where you’ll get the biggest payoff.

Pros and Cons of Triple Pane Windows

Triple paned windows offer several advantages and disadvantages over their double-paned counterparts. Consider them to make the best decision for your home windows.

Pros

• Improved energy efficiency;
• Better soundproofing;
• Less condensation;
• Improved security.

Cons

• Higher cost;
• Heavier and harder to install;
• Limited design options.

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