Modern window technology has evolved to the point that most windows on the market today are more energy efficient than their counterparts of years ago. But if you’re looking for a window that delivers top-of-the-line benefits, consider a window with triple glass panes. While double-pane glass is the standard for windows these days, triple-pane glass provides the most comfort and heating bill savings in harsh winter climates such as we get here in the Minneapolis area.
It wasn’t all that long ago that single-pane glass windows were the standard. To make homes more comfortable in winter, homeowners put on storm windows, in effect adding a second pane of glass. But those storms couldn’t deliver quite the benefit of today’s double-pane glass windows because the storms weren’t sealed up against the house, and there was always some air leakage, both in and out. Rooms could be drafty near the windows, and there was heat loss around them.Enter double-pane glass, a major improvement. It was so much more energy-efficient than the old storm window system that many homeowners replaced their old single-pane glass windows with double-pane versions and did away with the storm windows all together.
Double-pane glass windows are a vast improvement over the old single-glass windows, even with storms. Still, in colder climates like we get here in Minnesota over the winter, double-pane glass windows can still feel cool to the touch, and they may not be delivering as much energy savings as you could get if you installed triple-pane windows. Double-pane and triple-pane gas windows have a similar construction, with argon or krypton gas (or a combination) filling the space in between the glass panels. This dead air slows down heat transfer considerably. That’s where triple-pane windows have the advantage, because there is a second air barrier obstructing the cold or warm air.
Of course, you’ll pay more for triple pane glass options when you order your windows, but you should be able to recoup the difference in energy savings. While triple-pane glass is probably overkill in mild climates, here in the Northland they are highly recommended if you want the best in keeping the cold air out and the warm air in, and seeing a significant savings on your heating bills.
If you’re not convinced that triple-pane glass is worth the extra cost, replace just a few of your windows first. Then on a cold day lay your hand on an existing double-pane window, then try the triple-pane window. You’ll feel the difference, and you’ll be eager to replace the other ones.
Window Outfitters is THE replacement window company serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the entire metro area. If you have questions about triple-pane glass or other energy-efficient window features, please give us a call.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
