It is crucial to select the right windows for your home. It affects the energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term costs of your home. This decision is arguably more important for Canadian homeowners who face the unique challenge of coping with freezing winters followed by hot summers.
In terms of window options, double-glazed and triple-glazed windows line the list. Both perform excellently and insulate super well, but how do they stack up against each other? This concerted effort to protect homes is an area of concern that continues to elude other giants of industry, from the car to the food industry.
What Are Double-Glazed Windows?
Also known as double-pane windows, double-glazed windows are made of two panes of glass that have a sealed gap of argon or krypton gas in between. This design improves thermal performance by delaying heat transfer, making it an excellent choice for homes located in temperature-contrasting regions.
Features of Double-Glazed Windows
- Gas Fill. Argon, a low-conductivity gas that insulates improves performance, is most often used to fill the space between glass layers.
- Low-E Coating. Low-Emissivity is a thin metallic coating that reflects heat into your home in winter and keeps it out in summer.
- Affordability. Double-glazed windows are cost-effective and readily available in the market; hence, an ideal option for most homeowners.
Advantages of Double-Glazed Windows
- Energy Efficiency. Compared to single-pane windows, double-pane windows can cut heat loss through windows by 50% and can lower heating and cooling costs significantly. These days, energy costs are rising in Canada, so consider it seriously.
- Cost. Double-glazed windows typically cost between $300 and $800 per window, depending on size, style, and any added features like Low-E coatings.
- Low Maintenance. Double-glazed windows are long-lasting and low-maintenance throughout their life span (generally more than 20 years).
What Are Triple-Glazed Windows?
Triple-glazed windows up the ante on energy performance. They have three sheets of glass and two insulating chambers filled with argon or krypton gas. This is a more efficiently insulated and comfortable design, particularly in very cold climates.
Features of Triple-Glazed Windows
- Two Gas Chambers. The extra pane of glass creates two insulating pockets of air to reduce heat transfer, 50% more energy efficient than double-pane windows.
- Better Low-E Coatings. You can have more than one Low-E coating in a triple-pane window for even better thermal performance.
- Better Energy Ratings. Triple-pane windows have an ER (Energy Rating) ranging between 34 to 38, while double-pane models are rated only at 28.
Advantages of Triple Glazed Windows
- Improved Heat Retention. With the added pane of glass along with the gas chamber, heat loss is minimized. For instance, an Ecoline triple-pane window with two Low-E coatings performs 35% better than double-pane window with a Low-E coating.
- Lower Condensation. Keeping the interior pane of glass warmer also reduces the chances of condensation or frost forming – an all-too-familiar sight during Canadian winters.
- Increased Comfort. Triple-pane windows eliminate cold drafts, ensuring that indoor areas remain pleasant when the external temperature drops below -30 ℃.
- Noise Reduction Technology. The three layers of glass allow for better soundproofing properties which makes them ideal if you live in an area with busy streets or if you live next to a highway. Everyone knows how badly noise affects health. Therefore, the noise-reduction advantages of triple-pane windows are a very positive thing.
Triple-Glazed Windows in Real Life
Triple glazed windows are great at dealing with condensation as they provide a much higher internal glass temperature. This is great in humid climates or during the harsh winter months.
Triple-glazed windows solve this problem by providing indoor comfort even when the outside temperature is as low as -30 °C.
Triple glazed windows can increase the value of your home by up to 10%, making them very attractive to potential buyers.
Cost Comparison: Double Glazing vs. Triple Glazing
Cost should also be a consideration – and double-glazed windows are usually less expensive than triple-glazed windows. Nonetheless, while triple-pane windows represent a sizable price increase, they provide significantly improved performance.
Average Costs:
- Double-Glazed Windows: $300 – $800 each window
- Triple-Glazed Windows: $500 – $1,000 per window
The price premium for triple-glazed windows is around 10 percent higher than for double-glazed models. Although this can appear to be a substantial upfront investment, triple-pane windows can easily be the most cost-effective choice for your home in the long run saving in your energy bills.
Energy Savings:
- Switch out single-pane windows for double-pane ones, and you can cut energy bills by 15% – 20% a year.
- If your home is poorly insulated and your climate is heavily affected by it, upgrading to triple-pane windows can add another 5%–10% in energy savings.
Which Window Style Should You Choose?
- Deciding whether to choose double glazing or triple glazing will depend on several things, from where you live to your budget and energy goals. Here’s a quick guide:
Location and Climate:
- In regions with milder winter temperatures, like in some areas of British Columbia, double-glazed windows offer adequate insulation.
- In cooler climates – Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba for example – it is worth the extra investment in triple-glazed as they perform better thermally.
Budget:
- High-quality double-glazed windows with advanced features such as Low-E coatings and argon gas are good-performing options at more moderate prices if your budget is tight.
- Homeowners who prefer comfort and energy savings, in the long run, will find the initial investment in triple-pane windows well worth it.
Energy Goals:
- For environmentally conscious homeowners, triple-pane windows contribute to improved energy efficiency and lower your home’s carbon footprint.
- For more advice on selecting the right windows for your home, check out our guide on choosing the right window style.
Final Thoughts on Double and Triple Glazing
There are benefits to both double-glazed and triple-glazed windows, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs. Affordable, flexible, and appropriate for most Canadian homes. Conversely, triple-pane windows provide the highest level of energy efficiency, comfort, and savings in the long run – making them a perfect choice in extremely cold climates or for homeowners looking for the best energy performance.
Ecoline Windows manufactures double and triple-pane windows designed for Canadian homes. Our experts can help you decide which solution will suit your home and improve its energy efficiency and comfort levels.