Living in Australia means experiencing scorching summers, freezing winters, and extremely high household energy costs. While most of us love the summertime, want isn’t fun is the exuberant cost of keeping the air conditioner running all day just to keep cool. Electricity costs are becoming more and more costly, but by increasing the efficiency of your windows, which can lose up to 40% of thermal energy, you can lower your energy bills.
What is the difference between double and triple glazed windows?
The physical distinction between the two types of windows is relatively straightforward: triple glazing, as you might imagine, has three panes of glass, whereas double glazing has two.
If you were comparing windows this way, it would be simple to decide that three panes of glass would be preferable to two.
However, numerous other differences between double and triple glazing can affect your home and your wallet.
Energy efficiency
As many of you are aware, the greater energy efficiency that comes with the second pane of glass is one of the main justifications for switching from single to double glazed windows.
Therefore, the energy efficiency is naturally boosted with triple glazing. To guarantee that you are minimising heat loss as much as possible, it is essential to maximise your home’s insulation as about a quarter of household heat is lost through windows.
In addition to playing a part in reducing heat loss, the larger air gap—which is typically filled with an inert gas like argon to maintain that beautiful warmth inside your home—also contributes.
Noise reduction
Double or triple glazing your windows will significantly lower noise levels from outside your home. While triple glazing can yield higher noise reductions than double glazing, you must keep the following aspects in mind:
- Glass thickness can also be a factor in noise reduction, so thicker glass with double glazing could offer similar effects as triple glazing.
- Another important factor is the space between the glass panes, the bigger the space, the better the noise suppression.
- Any noise reduction you may have accomplished with the above methods will be destroyed if trickle ventilators are utilised on any windows.
It is advisable to consult an expert about your specific circumstances and the kind of noise issue you have if you are debating between double and triple glazing for noise reduction. While triple glazing is more efficient in many respects, it is also more expensive, so you may only need double glazing with the proper spacing and glass thickness.
Risk of cold patches
When too much moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, water is produced, which causes dampness and condensation.
Cold spots will develop throughout the house when the U-values of the walls or floors deviate further from those of the windows. Walls have a U-value of about 0.3; thus, it is evident that windows of any kind need a lot of improvement before they are as effective as a wall. Triple glazing is the most effective solution to lessen cold spots, with U values ranging from 1.8 to 0.6.
Cost comparison
There will always be a cost factor in every product comparison. Triple glazing is the most expensive option since, as you might think, it requires more expensive manufacturing processes and uses more raw materials.
With double and triple glazing, you will get a return on your investment in the long run with the money you can save on heating and cooling your home.
When comparing costs, triple glazing will be preferable to double glazing if you require the highest comfort and energy efficiency levels.
What will it be, double glazing or triple glazing?
There are a variety of advantages and disadvantages to selecting double or triple glazing. Therefore, the best window for you will rely on your own priorities and what your home will most likely benefit from the most. Where you live, the climate of the area, what type of home you have and the energy efficiency you are after will all come into play when making your decision.
If you’re still unsure, at Windows Republic we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today for a free measure and quote or to ask any questions you have about double and triple glazed windows.