Is it worth the extra cost to buy triple pane windows over double pane?

Question

We usually have very cold winters where we live.

Answer 1

Don't you hate it when people dance around the question and don't answer it?

I don't know the answer, but would be interested to know if it were worth the extra cost.

I guess it's tough to figure the payback per year and how many years it would take for you to consider it worth your while.

Answer 2

I bought the double pane windows because I felt the triple pane were overpriced. But, in the winter, if it is very cold outside, the inner glass will feel cool. Be certain the triple pane company is wiling to offer an extensive warranty so you can get replacements should they leak.
One other factor to consider. How long do you expect to stay in the home you now have? It may take a few years to recover the cost in terms of fuel savings but the house will be warmer in the meantime and triple windows would add value in the event you choose to sell. I now wish I had chosen the triple pane glass, that should tell you something.

Answer 3

Triple pane windows are the best made. They offer 3x the protection from the weather.
But you need to make sure you get top ones. The cheap one can have problems in 5 yrs or so like moisture getting between the panels when the seals leak.
The company should be able to offer you an example of the difference, if they did not ask. They put heat or cold on one side and then let you touch the opposite side. With triple glass you will feel no cold.

Decide which is the most cost effective for you and base it on how long you plan to own this home.

Answer 4

This is right up my alley! I sell windows. Anyway to answer while the argon is still in the glass it is great but as stated by other people the seals can not keep the gas from escaping over time do to expansion and contraction. so by year 5 of the window more then 75% of the gas has leaked out. I only will have it put in the window if the customer asks for it specifically. I also tell them about how it is pretty much non existent after 5 years so you are paying extra for something that doesn't last! In the industry we are not even suppose to mention argon anymore because of this. As for putting replacement windows in if the frame is in good shape then there is no problem but a lot of installers will say this because it is so much faster to do a replacement unit then a new one! With a replacement you just pop out the old window and throw in the new one! It might take about 10 Min's to do it where as a new window will take about 25 Min's to half hour because they have to square it up and seal it in! But I personally think it is better to go with a new unit just in case there is something that is unseen!

Answer 5

Triple pane, double airspace, sounds good! If the company has been around for a long time and is reputable it may be an O.K. bet.
There are many "here today, gone tomorrow" window sellers out there, approach with caution. With the double airspace you double your chances of seal failure. Many warranties aren't worth the paper they are written on. Dual pane windows have shown excellent performance, and options like argon and lowE can make them more efficient. Andersen once tried triple pane on their casement windows and the result was that the sash were too heavy for the frame and were subject to frequent structural failure.
It takes many years to offset the cost of new windows vs. energy savings. You should notice a modest savings on your energy bill but how long will it take you to pay for that third pane? If you plan to stay in this home for a long time you may want to make the investment, but I stuck with double pane, lowE, argon, Great Lakes windows (they were offering both options for free). My advice, shop around.

Answer 6

In my opinion, no it isn't worth it, but depending on your climate, it might be useful to buy the type of double paned window that contains a gas for reducing solar gain and heat loss.

Answer 7

buy mastic double pane windows, low e, and argon gas filled. the biggest energy savings comes from the window being caulked and trimmed when the new ones are installed, not the layers of glass. your old windows didn't seal to the frames or the house all that well. the wrapping of the trim and silicone on the new window stops all the air that used to infiltrate the house. mastic windows are so good alcoa bought them and you know if anything ever happens to them alcoa will be there. good luck!

Answer 8

Go by the uv rating, but if the house isn't insulated well and especially around the windows the double are good enough. The insulation, cracks under and around doors and other areas where air is transferred is probably the bigger concern. you can ask the utility Co. for an energy audit, sometimes they do it for free, sometimes they charge, call and ask. They see where your heat and air is going and advise on how to conserve, things to do. Good luck.

Answer 9

Yes in very cold weather they will cut down your heat bill but make sure You are getting the best. I like Andersen windows best but check with someone who is a professional carpenter to explain how to pick the best for your money.

Answer 10

Look at the numbers on the information sheets that you get from the window maker.
This will tell you everything you need to know.