Triple Pane Windows 101: Basic Knowledge For Homeowners | Dallas, TX
When thinking of remodeling your house or ways to save energy at home, things like lighting and water usage come to mind. Few know that windows waste a lot of energy. According to the Department of Energy, roughly 30 percent of heating energy is lost through windows. If you use traditional windows, your HVAC will work harder during winter and summer to make your home warm and cool, leading to high electricity bills.
If you live in Dallas, TX, you already know air conditioning is responsible for a big part of the energy bill, especially during the scorching summers. You can save $125 to $475 by replacing the standard windows with energy-efficient single- or dual-pane ones.
As it is with many things, technology gets better with time. And today, we have triple pane windows, which boast even more efficiency. Here is an in-depth look at this new generation of energy efficient windows.
What Are Triple Pane Windows?
To better understand triple pane or triple glazed windows, you need to look at their history. Single pane windows contain only one plate of glass. They are not much help against the cold and heat and cause you to incur increased energy costs.
Dual pane windows with two sheets of glass with air between them became more popular in the 70s. Later developments replaced the air with gasses that aid insulation. Triple pane windows entered the market in the early 2000s but became more popular recently.
They consist of three sheets of glass with some inert gas between them. The two sheets on the outside are usually much thicker or stronger than the one in the middle. But is the third glass pane necessary? Continue reading to learn more.
How Do They Work?
The three glasses in triple glazed windows can block most of the sun’s harmful UV rays. It does this by the Low-E (low emission) coating, which is sprayed on the panes. This special coating minimizes the amount of UV and infrared light entering the home but does not inhibit visible light.
Ultraviolet light is responsible for fading fabrics; infrared light turns into heat energy. Another thing this coating does is it reflects energy. Simply put, the hot sunlight or cold remains outside, and the warmer or cooler inner temperature remains inside.
The gas between each layer, usually argon or krypton gas, adds additional thermal insulation. Lastly, triple-glazed windows significantly reduce noise, as sounds have to travel through three sheets of glass instead of one or two.
Dual vs Triple Pane Windows?
In simple terms, triple pane windows can do much better than dual pane windows. But the difference is not as straightforward as that. Double and triple pane windows both help save energy costs.
During colder months, when more heat is required in your home, the reflective nature of the windows keeps the warmth inside while allowing heat energy from outside to enter. Thus they help save on heating. During summer, the opposite is true. They keep the cool air inside and hot sun rays outside, thus saving you on AC costs.
This is why triple glazed windows are 50 percent more energy efficient than single panes and 20 percent more than dual. But they are also the most expensive and heavy. Because triple glazed windows are made of three sheets of glass of varying thicknesses, they add more safety to your home. Breaking them would take much more effort than breaking a dual pane window.
Pros of Triple Pane Windows
- Triple glazed windows are currently the most energy-efficient windows on the market and can help reduce energy costs.
- The increased noise reduction ensures you can enjoy quiet time in your home
- The air between the panes is less likely to condense.
- Termed as luxury glass, they can add value to your home.
Cons of Triple Pane Windows
- They are more expensive to buy, and it can take up to 10 years for them to pay off.
- They are more complex and costly to install.
- They are heavier, which might necessitate reinforcement of the house structure.
Are They Worth It?
Currently, triple glazed windows only make up 2 percent of the U.S market. Most of them are manufactured by European companies. Because of the high energy costs in Europe, triple glazed windows are quickly becoming the norm in many European countries.
Triple pane windows could be the best option, depending on where you live. For instance, if you stay in colder areas, where homes are heated during the greater part of the year, triple glazed windows can be a good option as they conserve most of the heat inside the house.
The benefits might not be seen as quickly in Dallas, TX, as it seldom gets icy. They could also be the best option if you plan to stay in your house for more than ten years.
If you are in the building business, it would be best to install triple glazed windows right from the start. This will help conserve the environment and consider the future rise in energy costs.
Come to Energy Window Solutions
Choosing the right windows can be a daunting task. Climate, type of house, and how much money you are willing to spend are among the factors you need to consider before undertaking such a big project.
To ensure you do not waste your money but get the most out of it, you can reach out to us at Energy Window Solution. We keep up with the latest trends in technology and offer only energy-efficient and cost-saving products.
If you have decided to replace the windows in your home in Dallas, TX, we are here to help you find the best windows suitable to your needs. We will install them and ensure the whole process is smooth and stress-free. We want you to keep benefiting from our service for many years. Want to know more? Give Energy Window Solutions a call today.