Triple Pane Windows vs Double Pane

Explore how triple pane windows vs double pane stack up to one another and what they will run you in terms of cost.

Questions? We’ve got you covered – Bill – Site Editor

Triple Pane vs Double Pane Basics

The basics here are relatively simple. With triple pane windows, you have three layers of glass inside the insulated glass unit (IGU). The picture above does a good job of showing you what this looks like. This differs from double pane glass, which has two pieces of glass inside the IGU. Pretty simple, right? This third layer of glass makes the IGU and the entire window more energy efficient. How much more? That is going to depend on the window itself (the quality of the series, the quality of the brand, etc.)

Triple Pane Windows Cost

The third layer of glass is going to cost more money.

Window Cost Estimator

Viwinco Cambridge Window: $650 installed

Simonton Impressions 9800 Cost: $700 installed

Champion Window Prices: $750 installed

Okna 700 Window: $850 installed

Anlin Del Mar Window: $850 installed

PGT Impact Windows Price List: $1800 installed

Renewal By Andersen Cost: $1900 installed

Double Pane Windows Cost

Bill – Site Editor

Triple Pane vs Double Pane

I have a couple quick questions before I pull the info. that you sent – thank you so much.

1. I’ve had a couple people state that my townhouse would require a full frame install and some that have said an insert would be acceptable. Do you have thoughts on that? It’s a 25 year old townhouse in MN.

2. Is the upgrade from double pane to triple pane as worth it as some of these guys are saying, or are they just being salesmen? I know that triple pane will be better at noise cancellation and energy efficiency, but how does the price to benefit compare?

Austin – Homeowner – from 2024

[Site Editor’s Answer]

Austin, in terms of installation there isn’t any one clear answer unless your frames are in very bad shape — then you’d have to do full frame. Insert installation is much simpler but you do lose some glass area. Full frame is more complicated, more expensive, but you shore everything up and you don’t lose any glass area. My advice is to continue to collect bids if for no other reason than to elicit professional opinions on what they think you need on the install front. Hopefully enough bids gets you to an answer you feel comfortable with…a bit sneaky, but effective.

I tend to think triple pane is overkill unless you live in a very cold climate – then I think it makes sense if the price isn’t too steep. $100 to $150 is about the fair market price for the jump to triple pane. I think a high quality double pane window is the move in most cases though…

Bill – Site Editor – from 2024

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