Double pane vs. triple pane: Which window type is better for your home?

Did you know you can lower energy costs, improve your property’s resale value, and still live comfortably year-round when upgrading old windows? We are talking about triple and double pane windows.

The additional pane of glass provides significant energy savings by blocking heat flow during cold weather. It also has noise reduction benefits, as it works as an extra sound barrier. Despite their similarities, triple and double pane windows differ in installation cost, durability, and thermal efficiency.

In the double pane vs. triple pane debate, which side should you be on? Which is better between the two? Get your answers in this guide. 

What are double pane windows?

Also known as double glazing, double pane windows feature two panes fitted inside a window frame, often modified to accommodate the additional width. Between these glasses is a space filled with either argon or krypton gas. It also features a desiccant to manage moisture retention and a seal to keep the glass panes together and prevent heat leaks.

Because of its design, a double pane window is more cost-effective than a single pane one. In particular, it reduces energy costs in summer and winter, when electricity prices often spike. It keeps the heat in as the temperature drops.

The two panes also promote noise reduction, making double pane windows great for houses near busy streets or urban areas. 

What are triple pane windows?

The features of triple pane windows are similar to those of double pane windows, so they look alike to the less-discerning eyes. They have three panes of glass, with each space filled with argon or krypton gas.

This also suggests that triple pane windows offer the same general benefits as double pane ones. However, they have higher energy efficiency.

Double or triple pane: Which is better for your needs?

How can you distinguish between double and triple pane windows if they share many similarities? You can do it by comparing it further based on several factors. Let’s break down double vs. triple pane windows below.

In terms of cost

When it comes to triple pane vs. double pane cost, which is more ideal for the budget-conscious? The average double pane window cost in the US is between $150 and $6,000. The huge range is due to multiple factors. These include:

• Cost of labor

• Difficulty in the installation process

• Timeline

• Actual project, whether it is fitting, repair, or replacement

• Materials cost

• Glass and window type

Overall, though, the cost of triple pane windows is often higher than that of double pane ones. In fact, their price can be 10% to 15% more. The extra panes of glass alone already make the unit expensive.

In terms of appearance

It is generally difficult to distinguish double pane windows from triple pane ones unless you look at them harder. That is when you will notice that the extra pane in triple pane windows results in slightly wider glazing units.

The types of glass used in these glazed windows also affect their appearance:

• Float or annealed glass panes are the most popular. They are clear, thin, and lightweight with a slight greenish tint.

• Another option is tempered or toughened glass. This one has smooth, rounded edges with a slight blue-green hue. 

• Low-emissivity (low-E) glass has a thin coating that reflects heat to its source.

• Laminated glass has two or more layers bonded together with a thin layer of plastic.

Thanks to technology, you can also customize the thickness of the gap triple or double pane windows to less than 100 mm wide. Doing this gives your windows a more streamlined look. You can also now pick different colors, so you can find two or three panes of glass that perfectly match your space’s theme.

In terms of installation complexity

With double or triple pane windows, the latter is often more complicated and challenging to install than double pane units for the following reasons:

• They are often heavier because of the extra glass panes. Depending on their thickness and size, they might require more people to carry and fit them into the window frames.

• Some existing windows, especially those of old homes or historical buildings, cannot bear the extra weight.

• Fitters often have to modify the frames of old double pane windows or cut some glass to accommodate triple pane windows.

In terms of thermal insulation

Does double pane glass keep heat out? Yes, but so do triple pane windows. In fact, they perform well in the following factors when compared with single pane units:

• U-value, which measures how well the material conducts heat

• Solar gain, which determines how much sunlight passes through the glass material

• R-value, which determines a material’s resistance to heat transfer

Double pane windows generally have higher thermal insulation properties than single glazed ones, partly because you can fill them with inert gases. They are less conductive than air.

However, triple pane windows offer better energy efficiency than double pane windows. They have a lower U value of 0.9, on average. Double pane windows have between 1.5 and 3.5. This means the former does not create as much heat loss, which is great if you want to spend less on the heating bill.

Additionally, the U value is usually directly proportional to the window’s solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). Triple pane windows also allow less heat to go through, which you need during the punishing summer months.

Lastly, with an R-value between 7 and 8, triple pane windows are more fantastic in managing heating and cooling loads than their double pane counterparts. Regardless of your choice, refer to the energy performance ratings to know the design’s energy efficiency.

In terms of noise reduction

Does triple pane reduce noise? Yes, which makes it also ideal to fit when you live on a busy road. The additional layers and gas provide better energy efficiency and outdoor sound insulation.

However, the gap in the middle pane also creates “echo chambers,” causing the triple pane windows to vibrate or rattle. It can be both unsettling and irritating if it happens more frequently.

In terms of privacy/security

One of the benefits of triple pane over double pane windows is better privacy and security. The three panes make it more difficult for outside noise to penetrate the glass, providing greater soundproofing.

Plus, an extra obstructing pane creates more distortion and reduces visibility. Intruders are less likely to see the inside better and faster. Even if they become bold, a triple pane window is still harder to break in, especially if it uses toughened glass in between.

In terms of durability/maintenance

One difference between double and triple pane is durability. Because triple pane windows have a third pane of glass installed, they can last 50 years compared to 20 years of a double pane unit. 

The added pane also means the unit is still usable even if one of the glasses cracks. Additionally, reinforcing the window frames to hold the additional weight of a triple pane window prevents slipping or distortion after decades of use.

But double pane windows are often easier to maintain because you have fewer glasses to deal with whether you are cleaning or replacing them.

Achieve your dream home with Airtasker

Upgrading your home’s windows to triple pane can help make your space more comfortable and energy efficient. But is triple pane better than double all the time?

The three panes of glass provide substantially improved insulation over the standard double pane. This keeps your rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer, saving on energy bills. Triple pane glass also reduces outside noise pollution coming into your home.

However, having triple pane windows installed can be trickier and more expensive upfront. You must ensure the frames of your existing or new windows can support the weight. Plus, building regulations may require professional installation.

Airtasker makes it easy to find an expert specializing in installing and replacing energy-efficient windows. Receive a free quote in only three steps:

1. Create a free account.

2. Post a task with complete job details. Include your budget, the number of windows that need fitting or modifications, and your preferred glazing type.

3. Receive proposals or reach out to several local window professionals.

With Airtasker, you can relax knowing that skilled tradespeople are handling your windows. So sign up today to take the first step toward building your dream property.