Though single pane windows were standard in homes for decades, these thin windows that conduct cold and let out warm air are now facing stiff competition from triple and double pane windows. Still suffering through the frigid Toronto winters with single pane windows? Consider upgrading to triple pane windows or double pane windows in your home before the cold of Canadian winters hits this year. It’s difficult to know which of these two great modern choices to install in your home. Here’s a breakdown on your choices in the triple pane vs. double pane windows debate.
The Pros and Cons of Triple Pane vs. Double Pane Windows
Triple pane and double pane windows feature interior cavities filled with argon or krypton gas that act as an insulator. Though both triple pane and double pane windows are a vast improvement on their single pane predecessors, they both offer unique benefits and drawbacks to homeowners
Triple Pane Windows
• Energy Efficiency – Also, known as triple glazed windows, these heavy duty windows conserve 80-90% more energy than their single-paned peers with an R-value of 9 or 10. They reduce condensation and water damage, and save you from overpaying on utility bills.
• UV Light Damage – Triple pane windows also save your home and your skin from damaging UV light rays that fade carpets, drapes, and wall art over time.
• Visibility – With two layers of low-emissivity coatings on the glass, triple pane windows let less light in, meaning less sun damage, but also less sun.
• Noise Reduction – Contrary to what some salespeople might say, triple pane windows are not significantly better than double pane windows at reducing noise pollution.
• Price – Their biggest downside is their high price tag, which for some homeowners is a definite deal breaker. At some companies, they can be as much as $800-$1000 per window.
Double Pane Windows
• Energy Efficiency – Double pane windows, or double glazed windows, are 50% more energy efficient than single pane windows. They have an average R-value of 3.5 to 4, significantly improve your home’s insulation, and reduce your energy costs.
• UV Light Damage – Although much better than single pane windows at protecting your home from sun damage, triple pane windows are slightly better at ensuring that you won’t get a sunburn while sitting by the window.
• Visibility – Double pane windows allow in more light than triple pane windows, brightening your home and allowing you to keep the lights off for longer in the evening.
• Noise Reduction – Double glazed windows lower the amount of outdoor noise from traffic and playing children that gets into your home.
• Price – For many homeowners, double pane windows strike the perfect balance between saving on energy and saving on initial costs. They are usually about $350 per window, hundreds of dollars less than their triple-paned counterparts.
With 15 years of experience in installing, repairing, and altering doors and windows in Toronto, Toronto Doors and Windows is your one-stop shop for window replacement services.
