Your windows have a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, heat loss and gain through windows is responsible for 25-30% of the energy used for heating and air conditioning in a home!
Installing multi-pane replacement windows can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency and help you save money on your heating and cooling costs. There are two types of multi-pane replacement windows: double-pane and triple-pane.
Both options have their pros and cons and either could be the best choice depending on your needs and budget.
Double-Pane vs Triple-Pane Windows
Double-pane and triple-pane windows have similar constructions. They both feature multiple panes of glass with insulating spacers between them.
- Double-pane windows are made with two panes of glass instead of a single pane, which was the norm until the early 1980s. Most double-pane windows have an argon or krypton gas fill between the panes, which adds an extra layer of insulation.
- Triple-pane windows are made with three panes of glass with an argon or krypton gas fill between each pane. The added layer enhances the overall energy efficiency and adds additional benefits, like greater soundproofing and comfort.
Benefits of Double vs Triple-Pane Windows
Any multi-pane window is a step up from single-pane windows, though triple-pane windows may offer even greater benefits when compared to double-pane options.
Energy Efficiency
Whether they are double or triple-pane, multi-pane windows are significantly more energy efficient than single-pane windows. The extra glass and gas spacers add insulation, reducing heat loss and gain through your windows. This, in turn, reduces energy consumption, which saves you money on your energy costs and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
More Comfort
If you’ve ever sat by a window during the winter and felt an immediate temperature drop, you know how severely windows can impact comfort. Double-and triple-pane windows both reduce comfort problems by helping your home maintain a more consistent temperature and eliminating hot and cold spots. Triple-pane windows are even more heavily insulated than double-pane, which can lead to even greater comfort improvements.
Noise Reduction
If you live in a noisy area, like on a busy street or near an airport, triple-pane windows will make a big difference. The extra glass pane and gas fills in a triple-pane window help block out more external noise than a double-pane window, so your house stays quieter and more peaceful.
Rebates
Because they’re so energy efficient, multi-pane windows are eligible for rebates. Double and triple-pane windows can both qualify for the new Mass Save® replacement window rebates, as long as they’re on the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows list. To be eligible for this incentive, you must be replacing single-pane windows, and have your existing windows verified during a no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment.
*Some restrictions apply. Offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit MassSave.com/HEA for full details.
Which Are Better: Double or Triple-Pane Windows?
Double and triple-pane windows both offer superior quality and performance compared to single-pane windows, and upgrading to either will make a big difference in your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency.
Triple-pane windows can offer even greater performance and enhanced benefits, but they come with a higher price tag, which is a big consideration for most homeowners.
But house windows have a long lifespan, often lasting for decades. This means replacing your windows is a rare opportunity to significantly enhance your home’s energy efficiency and overall comfort. Given that you might only replace your windows once, it makes sense to invest in the best option available.
The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows list makes it easy to choose the best windows for your home. Any window holding this certification meets the highest standards for energy efficiency and performance. It takes all factors into consideration, not just number of panes, to determine which energy efficient windows are the best.
The Importance of Professional Installation
Even the highest quality windows won’t perform to their full potential without proper installation. Professional installation ensures that your windows are fitted correctly, preventing drafts, leaks, and other issues that can compromise their efficiency. Skilled installers will also make sure that the windows are sealed tightly and function smoothly, maximizing energy savings and comfort benefits.
Neeeco is the company Massachusetts homeowners trust with window installation. More than a window company, we are a whole-home energy efficiency expert that will help you make the most impactful upgrades to your home while maximizing your savings with Mass Save rebates and incentives.