Double-Pane vs. Triple-Pane Windows: The Differences Explained

You may be surprised by all the decisions you must make when purchasing replacement windows for your home. Today we will give you all the relevant data on double-pane vs. triple-pane windows. Of course, triple pane windows offer more energy efficiency – but is buying windows with triple pane glass worth the additional cost?

Comparing Double Pane Windows with Triple Pane Windows

As the name implies, double-pane windows have two panes of glass. Many double-pane windows are made with insulating argon gas between the panes. 

Triple-pane windows (or triple-glazed windows) have three panes of glass. Like double-pane windows, there is a gap between the panes which can house an insulating gas, such as argon or krypton. Window companies consider a triple pane window an upgrade since there are many benefits of the extra layer of glass.

Let’s compare the two types of windows so you can make an informed decision when purchasing replacement windows for your home. 

Energy Efficiency

Windows are responsible for 40% of energy loss in most homes. So adding a window pane is one way to make your home more energy efficient. 

Consider the results of a series of studies led by the U.S. Department of Energy. This report shows that even thin triple-pane windows significantly reduced power usage in the hottest part of the day – compared with identical custom lab homes that used double-pane windows. 

Triple panes can significantly decrease relative heat loss. Installing triple-pane windows has the same effect as upgrading your walls and ceiling insulation from R-20 to R-40. 

Sound Reduction 

One often-overlooked benefit of upgraded windows is noise reduction. Recent studies from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory show that triple-glazed windows reduced the perceived noise level by roughly half.

Think what a difference this additional sound barrier would make in your life – especially if you live on a busy street or have neighbors with a noisy dog. 

Security

Multi-pane windows can increase the security of your home. The average double-pane window is entirely secure, but imagine the difference an extra pane would make in keeping intruders out of your space. So are triple-pane windows worth the cost? Yes – if you are concerned about security. 

Remember – it’s not only intruders that you need to think about when upgrading your double-pane window to one with triple panes. The extra glass layer will strengthen your window against tree limbs, large birds, and errant baseballs. 

It’s Time to Upgrade Your Windows

A research economist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has this to say on whether triple-pane windows are worth purchasing over double-pane windows: “Lower costs, greater availability, and the drive to reduce carbon emissions are pushing us toward a tipping point where triple-pane windows start making a lot of economic sense.”

Contact Woodbridge Home Solutions if you need to upgrade your single-pane windows or double panes. Woodbridge Home Solutions offers Woodbridge Classic – our American-made, energy-efficient windows.

These triple-paned windows keep your HVAC system from overworking during the summer heat. Additionally, you’ll be amazed at how quieter your home will be with your new house windows installed. 

Use Woodbridge Home Solutions’ handy online scheduling tool to start the window replacement process – whether you wish to replace one double-pane window or all of them. We offer free in-home estimates!

Double Pane vs. Triple Pane Windows: Key Takeaways

• Triple-pane windows have three layers of glass. Double-pane windows have two layers of glass.

• The gaps between each window pane are filled with an insulating gas, such as argon or krypton.

• Adding a third pane to your window will increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs and noise. 

• Triple-pane windows stand up against breakage better than single and double-paned windows.