Many have been shown and may be considering triple pane glass as an option in replacing their windows
. This might be a good choice but let's look at the cost and benefits. The reason many people believe that triple pane glass is better than double pane glass is because of the increased energy efficiency or energy savings especially here in Texas because of all the heat.
Before we can appreciate the following information a few definitions need to be made. The two terms that are used in the industry to describe the energy efficiency of a window are U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The first term determines the ability of the window to keep heat in your home in the winter time and the second term describes how well the frame and glass will keep radiant heat from coming into your home. The lower the number the better job it is doing.
Most aluminum builder grade windows have a SHGC of about 75 which means that is keeping out about 25% of the radiant heat. An Energy Star rated window has a SHGC of 40 keeping 60% of radiant heat out. The newest windows on the market with LowE3 (cubed) glass filled with Argon gas has a SHGC of about 20 or 21, quite an improvement over the builder's grade window. Now if a person were to go to triple pane with Argon gas how much of a difference would it make? It would only bring down the SHGC to 19, a 1% gain. The typical cost can be anywhere from 25% to 35% more than the double pane. Would that justify the added expense and the added weight to the window? I'll let you be the judge. Keep in mind that some will use it to differentiate themselves from the competition without explaining these differences.
Choosing a local replacement window company with a good history of business, providing a lifetime warranty, and a dealer whom you trust with quality experienced crews, should be more important to you than double or triple pane windows. If you would like a free estimate of your replacement windows to be replaced with quality energy efficient windows please call 972-398-6105.