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We’ve all heard about how double pane windows can save you money in your Cincinnati home by adding an extra layer of insulation between you and the outdoor air, but if two window panes are good, are three window panes great? The debate between double and triple pane windows is a hot topic for those who want to maximize efficiency. Here’s what you really need to know:
How Double Pane Windows Save You Money
Before we can compare double pane windows with their triple pane counterparts, we first need to understand the mechanics of how double pane windows work. When adding a second window pane, an air gap is created. This air gap serves the purpose of insulation because it is much harder for heat to transfer between inside and outside when it has to go through this space. By contrast, a single window pane allows heat to transfer pretty freely in both directions through the glass since there is direct contact between outside and inside. In addition, the air gap is usually filled with an inert gas that has extra insulating properties to enhance the effectiveness of that space. With that in place, a double pane window is able to reduce heat transfer by nearly 90%, meaning that your Cincinnati home will stay more comfortable during the winter and summer.
How Do Triple Pane Windows Compare?
When it comes to triple pane windows, the math gets a little more difficult to figure. First of all, the second window pane already improved efficiency by up to 90%, which means that adding a third pane can really only give you an extra 10% efficiency, assuming it is 100% effective. More likely, that extra window pane will only save you another 8-9% under the best circumstances. Already you can see that the third pane will not make a drastic impact on your home beyond what was accomplished with a double pane window. Furthermore, the cost of adding a third pane is roughly equal to the cost of adding a second pane since the extra glass and other materials do not get cheaper as you add onto the window. Thus, you could end up paying 50-70% more for a triple pane window than you would for a double pane window, while still only gaining a tiny increase in efficiency. The numbers just don’t work. Installing windows with a low-e option, like SmartSun™, is a much better investment. It has our highest efficiency rating in cool weather and is exceptional in hot climates where solar heat gain can lead to excessive air conditioning expense. SmartSun™ glass lets in almost as much natural daylight as clear glass.
With a clear understanding of the benefits of double pane windows, it is easy to see that the value of adding a second window pane can result in plenty of savings. The same does not hold true when a third window pane is added and may cost you more than it saves. To learn more about the insulating properties of windows and how we can help you improve your Cincinnati home’s efficiency, contact Renewal by Andersen today and schedule your free consultation.
To learn more, you can give us a call today at (866) 609-5033!