Triple pane v. Double pane Windows: Pros and Cons | Window Installation in Dallas Fort Worth, TX
Windows are an important part of any household. They garner even greater impact and importance when the question of how they impact your electricity and heating bills comes into the equation. For homeowners, the kind of windows they have installed in their homes makes a lot of difference, not just because of the financial aspect but because of several other factors associated with them. The choice that homeowners will have with regards to windows will ultimately boil down to either triple paned or double paned.
The differences between the two are greater than just the number of panes installed in each window. Both window glazing options have their own perks, advantages and certain disadvantages. It is crucial that homeowners understand all these aspects and make an informed decision, taking into account the costs, reliability, efficiency etc.
So here are the different pros and cons associated with each of these two window panes.
Double Pane Windows
A double pane window has a space between the two panes of glass. It is the standard that you’ll find in almost all double pane windows across the world. Double pane windows can lead to a reduction of 50% of all heat loss in households. In a town such as Dallas Fort Worth, that could prove crucial in keeping your electricity bill low while the fiberglass frame will definitely contribute in increasing the energy efficiency of the household. It is also the more economical option as it will cost nearly 15% less than the triple pane windows.
Pros:
- Owing to its formidable frame material, the double paned window will lead to a considerable increase in the overall energy efficiency throughout your household. The design of the double pane window allows the back frame to support the double-glazed windows. This means that not only will these windows require less space to properly function, but they will be considerably easier to close or open, while not being closely jammed with one another.
- Because the double paned windows don’t have an additional glass in between, there is an added option of increased thermal efficiency using gas fills. These gas fills serve as insulators and are instrumental in ensuring that the heating bills remain as low as possible.
- The glass that is used in double pane windows allows this option to provide the perfect balance between single and triple pane windows, in terms of glass coats. While the main insulating function is performed by the gas fills, these Low-E coatings can serve as additional insulators. This will lead to further decreases in heating bills.
Cons:
- Because the double glazed window is designed to serve a specific purpose and serves as a hybrid between the single and triple paned windows, it will cost a lot more up front. The material, as well as the benefits of this window pane allows users to have the best of both worlds but the cost to have them installed dwarfs that of either by a considerably margin. It is definitely not the most economical option in terms of installation.
- Two gasses are mostly used in order to act as gas fills i.e. argon gas and krypton gas. While argon gas is more popular because of its price, as well as being more suitable for insulating windows, it cannot be used in double pane windows. The space between the two window panes makes argon gas unsuitable for a double pane window because of the expanded space. The only option that remains, in that case, is krypton gas, which is both more expensive and not the first choice in insulating windows due to the high maintenance associated with it.
- The Low-E coating will prevent infrared light from entering your home while all forms of visible light can be accessible. But these two coats can also make the external environment a bit hazy. The external view will always appear without a lot of clarity because of the coating and you will probably have to open the window to get a clear view. This can undo the entire purpose of the double pane window
Triple Pane Windows
Triple pane windows are a visible and elaborate upgrade over double pane windows. The three panels of windows, as well as two spacers, make the triple pane window a much safer option than the double pane window. The reason why so many people choose the triple pane window is the visible upgrade in performance that this option provides. Triple pane windows will give you a 20-30 percent increase in the Energy Star ratings, albeit a far more significant reduction in electricity and heating bills. However, it is a far more expensive option, all things considered.
Pros:
- Triple pane windows are considerably heavier and more durable than the double pane window. They are harder to penetrate, for thieves and other intruders. They are also more resistant to earthquakes and other disasters.
- The gas fill used in a triple pane window is either argon gas or krypton gas. However, because of the two spaces in these triple pane windows, homeowners can choose between either of these options as well as a combination of two. They are not restricted in their choice of gas fill when using a triple pane window.
- The triple pane window will have three coats of Low-E fill installed in the windows. These offer nearly a 40% increase in the amount of money that can be saved in heat loss reduction, as well as the added insulation through the Low-E coating.
Cons:
- The triple paned windows are much heavier and harder to use as a result. The strong frame is built to last and withstand damage without incurring much loss. This makes them a lot harder to properly open or close compared to the double pane windows. This could be a frustrating thing for users who have to constantly labor in order to properly operate the window.
- Because there are two different spaces in between that require gas fills, homeowners will need to maintain those more regularly, which means a lot more money will need to be spent on doing so.
- The three pane windows coated with Low-E makes it near impossible to view the outside environment clearly which means that homeowners will almost certainly have to open the windows to get a clear view of outside.
If you’ve understood the various pros and cons related to these kinds of windows and are ready to get them installed in Dallas Fort Worth, then get in touch with Energy Window Solutions here.