Triple Pane Windows vs. Double Pane: What’s Better?

When shopping for new windows customers often ask whether they must get triple pane windows or double pane windows.

Compared to double pane, triple pane windows not only make your home more comfortable; when installed correctly they also improve the home’s energy efficiency, keep your house warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and less reliant on the central air system.

Let’s take a look at how the two window types compare and ways you can get the highest energy efficiency performance out of your replacement project.

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Double vs Triple Pane Windows: What Are They?

To answer this question fully, let’s define what a pane is. A window pane, also sometimes referred to as glazing, is quite literally the sheet of glass separating the inside of your home from the outside.

• Double-pane and triple-pane windows come with two or three panes respectively.

The introduction of additional panes in a window also led to the invention of insulated glass units (IGUs) sometimes referred to as sealed units. A sealed unit combines the multiple panes of a window with an energy efficient spacer into one.

• Argon and Krypton gas fills are usually used between the panes for additional efficiency.

Which window styles are usually ordered in triple-pane by homeowners?

Triple pane windows in Canada are usually installed to ensure maximum energy efficiency, especially if you are living in the colder regions. However, not all homeowners decide to replace all windows with new units that have triple-pane glass on them. Some windows may come with double pane glass to lower the overall project price.

• But which windows should definitely have a triple-pane for comfort, energy efficiency and peace of mind?

As a rule of thumb, all living room windows, bedroom windows and basement windows should have maximum insulation. In addition, homeowners always strive to order transom windows with triple glazing to significantly enhance both aesthetics and functionality in a home.

But what are transom windows? Transom windows are small windows installed above doors or larger windows, allowing natural light to enter while maintaining privacy.

• Exterior transom windows are commonly used to brighten entryways and living areas, adding a decorative touch to the home’s facade.
• Interior transom windows can be placed above interior doors to facilitate airflow and light between rooms.

Modern transom windows that open offer the added benefit of improved ventilation, making them a practical choice for contemporary homes. Whether used indoors or outdoors, transom windows are an elegant and functional addition, contributing to a well-lit and aesthetically pleasing living space.

Triple Pane Windows and Noise Reduction

Another difference between double and triple pane windows is of their improved noise-reduction features. Thanks to their configuration, triple-glazed units excel at noise reduction, featuring three layers of glass separated by insulating gas-filled spaces.

This structure effectively dampens sound transmission while the added mass reduces vibrations. Furthermore, differing glass thicknesses disrupt sound wave patterns, enhancing noise-blocking properties.

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How Much More Efficient Are Triple Pane Windows Compared to Double Pane?

The answer is pretty straightforward. The additional pane of glass in the window creates a better insulating barrier. Compared to double-pane units, triple-pane windows allow less heat to escape, have less condensation, and are more soundproof. Makes sense.

But another benefit of triple pane windows over double is that the extra pane allows for the utilization of additional Low-E coatings. To an untrained eye, low-emissivity coatings look like a window tint or film. In reality, though, the coating is applied during the manufacturing of the windows and at a molecular level. Pretty much all windows manufactured in Canada today utilize low-emissivity coatings to improve the performance and efficiency of the window. This applies to both double and triple pane windows.

Combined with the insulating properties of an additional pane, these features make your window even more efficient, and your home more comfortable.

• Double-pane windows have an R-value ranging from 3 to 3.8, while triple pane window R value can be up to 7- 8, making them more effective at blocking heat flow. This means that replacing double-paned units with triple-paned windows reduces heating costs.

As a comparison, an Energy Star–rated window with double panes with an R-value of 3 when increasing the R-value from 3 to 5, the average heat loss through the window is reduced by 30% to 40% percent (See exhibit 1).

Designed for new construction and replacement projects, triple paned windows can achieve an R value as high as 8 depending on window types and glass packages. This explains in part why triple-glazed products can be up to 50% more efficient than double-glazed Natural Resources Canada.

• When selecting triple glass windows you also need to consider the overall IG thickness. The majority of manufacturers offer triple pane glasses with an overall thickness of ”7/8 opposed to a 1” 1/4 or 1” 3/8 which is the most effective triple glass configuration. Those can be approx. 30% less efficient (see Exhibit 2).

Another important factor is the process followed to manufacture the glass units. Good manufacturers usually adhere to quality certification programs such as NAMI and NFRC.

Storm Windows For Enhanced Insulation

Besides triple-pane glass, another effective way to enhance insulation is by installing storm windows. But what are storm windows? Storm windows are secondary units mounted either outside or inside the main windows of a house.

Exterior storm windows provide an additional layer of protection against harsh weather, improving energy efficiency by reducing heat loss in winter and keeping interiors cool during summer. They also shield the primary windows from wind, rain, and snow, extending their lifespan.

Replacement storm windows are a cost-effective solution for homeowners seeking to boost their home’s insulation without the expense of replacing existing windows entirely. Easy to install and maintain, storm windows offer a practical approach to enhancing comfort and energy efficiency in any home.

Energy Star windows for maximum energy efficiency

If you want to get a quality replacement, consider investing in ENERGY STAR rated windows. You can check out a list of all ENERGY STAR rated windows on this Natural Resources Canada website. These windows comply with international standards in order to be considered efficient in different climate zones.

Different Canadian window manufacturers carry different products, so always be sure to ask about the differences in ER ratings across the different types of manufacturer’s windows. Keep in mind, that the lowest energy rating for window to be considered energy-efficient is 34.

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Double vs Triple Pane Windows Cost: Calculate Your Project

Window prices is a big concern for many homeowners sine any window replacement is not going to be cheap if you opt for high-quality units that will serve you for life.

How much do new windows cost? This is the big question that can sometimes put homeowners off getting triple-pane windows.

• On average triple-pane windows cost 10-15% more than double-pane units.

This may not be such a significant price difference if you are replacing one or two windows. But if you are removing old windows in the entire house, getting triple-pane replacements can add several thousand dollars on top of your already expensive project.

You can calculate the approximate price range for your window replacement project by using our online estimator below:

Surely, there has to be some benefit in return for the investment. This brings us to the next question:

Are triple pane windows worth it?

If you read American window replacement websites, you will often see companies saying that spending extra money on triple-pane windows doesn’t make sense. This is actually true in a lot of the United States. What makes Canada different? Same thing that always did: our climate.

Because the US has a much more temperate climate than most of Canada, a strong insulating barrier isn’t always needed in a window opening: the difference in temperature between the indoors and outside isn’t as big as it would be further north.

The average household spends about $2,200 annually on energy, with higher costs for those living in older homes with poor insulation.

There is no sure way to calculate how much more money triple-pane windows can save you. But. On average, it is said that triple-pane windows can help you save an additional 2-3% on your energy bill annually.

In reality, that number greatly depends on the condition of your house, the wall structure, what temperature you consider comfortable, and even the condition of your furnace. To make the right decision see what your monthly heating bill is and use that as a foundation to analyse wether the cost difference between double and triple pane windows really worth it for your specific circumstances.

Should You Get Double or Triple Pane Windows?

Chances are if you are reading this post, you are on the fence about investing the additional money into your home renovation. But it also probably means that you still want a solution that offers savings and makes your home comfortable. 

Before you decide either you want to install double pane or triple pane windows always consider your region’s weather condition, how well insulated your house is, your current energy bills, your current windows and their performance to get a grip of which windows you really need to invest into.

The side of the house that gets a lot of sun, for example, is more suitable for windows with higher Solar Heat Gains and lower U-Factor. The reverse is true about windows on the shady side of the house. Strategically planning which window to get for what room can go a long way toward saving money on your custom windows.

Ecoline Windows offers double pane and triple pane replacement windows with professional installation services in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon and Vancouver areas. If you have any questions about our products, features and installation process please contact our support team.