Soaring energy prices are putting pressure on homeowners and businesses. Heating and cooling expenses account for roughly half of a home’s annual energy budget and half of a commercial building’s, so it’s key to explore strategies for cutting down energy costs.
One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency inside a home is to invest in insulated glass units (IGUs). Whether double—or triple-pane windows work best, we will sort out all the differences to what works best for your next project.
To make this decision easier, we've gathered a list of frequently asked questions to help determine whether double-pane vs triple-pane IGU windows are the best fit for your project.
What is an Insulated Glass Unit?
An insulated glass unit is made with multiple panes of glass separated by a spacer, filled with air or inert gas to provide insulation, and sealed. A double-pane IGU consists of two glass panes separated by a spacer. A triple-pane IGU is made with three panes of glass to add an extra layer of insulation and improve noise reduction.
Aside from the number of panes comprising the unit, the main difference between a double or triple-pane IGU is the level of insulation. The more insulated glass panels in a window, the better its durability, noise reduction, and energy efficiency properties.
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Cost Analysis: Double vs. Triple Paned Windows Savings Breakdown
Replacing old windows is a costly project. However, the savings from new, insulated windows make up for the up-front investment. Heat gain and loss through windows account for up to 30% of residential heating and cooling.
Property owners that upgrade to triple-paned windows vs. double-paned windows can save an estimated 3% on heating costs. The savings is all thanks to a triple-paned unit's enhanced insulation, as it's able to:
- Further, reduce drafts
- Prevent cool air from escaping in the summer
- Block warm air from escaping in the winter
A 3% increase in efficiency may not seem like a notable improvement. However, it adds up when you consider how much is spent on heating and cooling costs each year. Additionally, the more IGU windows you have in your building, the bigger the long-term return on investment from triple-paned windows.
Pro Tip: Insulated glass units made with Low-E glass can help you save even more on energy costs.
It's also worth noting that triple-paned windows have another benefit that might not be obvious from a money perspective – noise reduction. Triple-paned windows are a better option for businesses near railroad tracks, busy streets and highways, and other areas plagued by excessive noise.
Triple-Paned vs. Triple-Glazed Windows: Unpacking the Differences
These are two terms for the same thing. Glazing refers to the glass pane installed in a window frame. A window unit that features one pane of glass is called a single-glazed window.
Glazing is not to be confused with coated glass. Glass panes can be treated with coatings to decrease the amount of UV rays and infrared light that pass through a glass pane without compromising visible light transmittance.
The largest difference between coated and non-coated glass is they interact with the sun. Coated windows reflect the sun’s energy, thereby preventing heat buildup inside a property.
Triple-paned windows successfully maintain set indoor temperatures without coating. However, coated windows give a home or business extra protection, especially in areas with heavy sunshine.
Filtering the Light: UV Protection with Double vs. Triple Paned Windows
The more panels of glass in a window, the better it is at blocking the sun's damaging rays.
Windows with more glass panes offer improved insulation and energy efficiency compared to those with fewer panes. In this respect, triple-paned windows are better than double-paned windows. The additional glass layer creates an extra barrier that helps to reduce heat transfer, leading to lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor environment.
However, laminating the glass also helps reflect more UV rays, adding another layer of protection. Laminated glass is created by bonding two or more layers of glass together with an interlayer, typically known as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This interlayer provides structural strength and safety benefits to help block out harmful UV rays. When exposed to sunlight, UV rays can cause damage to furniture, flooring, and other belongings. Laminated glass with a UV-blocking interlayer can help to protect against these harmful effects.
Combining multiple glass panes and laminated glass provides a powerful defense against the sun's damaging rays. Triple-paned laminated windows offer the highest level of protection, effectively blocking out a significant portion of UV radiation and reducing heat transfer. These windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to improve their energy efficiency, protect their belongings, and create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
Constructing Confidence: Best Choices for Disaster Prone Areas
Double-paned and triple-paned windows are both durable, but the more glass panels in a window, the greater its durability. In this respect, triple-paned windows are better suited for areas more prone to natural disasters – such as hurricanes and tornados –than their double-paned window counterparts.
The same is true if you're worried about theft or burglary. Triple-paned windows are the better choice due to their enhanced durability. Laminated insulated glass units are better fortified and harder to break through.
Weighing the Benefits: Double vs. Triple-Paned Windows for Businesses
That depends on several factors. A business owner should ask themselves the following questions:
- How many windows does the building have?
- Is the facility located in an area prone to natural disasters?
- How much do you spend on annual heating and cooling costs?
- Does the building always seem drafty?
- Does the business store products that are sensitive to high or low temperatures?
- Are you looking for enhanced security?
If the building has many windows and its heating and cooling costs are excessive, the ROI from upgrading to triple-paned windows (if it doesn't already have them) is higher.
However, it is possible to mix and match double—and triple-paned windows on the property and still achieve noticeable energy savings.
Since triple-pane windows do a better job of shielding the building from the sun's energy, you might find they are better suited for areas of the building that receive more exposure to the sun. Double-paned windows would be adequate everywhere else.
Additionally, triple-paned windows with laminated glass are more secure and won't break as easily as other types of windows.
Pane by Pane: Common FAQs for Double vs. Triple Pane WindowsAre there additional benefits to triple-pane windows besides energy efficiency and noise reduction? Yes, triple-pane windows also offer increased security due to their extra thickness, making them more difficult to break. They also tend to have a higher UV protection, protecting against sun damage to interior furnishings. How do I decide between double and triple-pane windows for my business? Consider factors such as the building’s location, typical energy expenses, security needs, and whether the building experiences draftiness or temperature-sensitive operations. Triple-pane windows might be more beneficial in reducing operational costs and improving comfort for buildings with extensive window areas or those in colder climates. What should I look for when choosing a manufacturer for IGUs? Look for manufacturers that offer quality craftsmanship, reliable warranty terms, and customized options. Also, make sure they use high-grade materials and have a consistent customer support system. |
Making the Right Choice: Double vs. Triple-Paned IGUs
If you are uncertain about the best type of windows for your application, don't hesitate to contact our expert team.
We're here to help you explore your options and guarantee that you select the most effective solution for your next project’s needs. Additionally, we offer a 10-year guarantee on all dual seal units, contingent on proper framing, professional installation, and suitable climatic conditions.
Let us help you make the right decision that provides long-term satisfaction and performance.
(Editor's note: This article was originally published in October 2019 and was recently updated.)
