Double-pane windows have an R-value ranging from 3 to 3.8, while triple-paned windows have an R-value of up to 7- 8, making them more effective at blocking heat flow. This means that replacing double-paned units with triple-paned windows reduces heating costs.
With double pane windows, you get an R-value of 2 – 4.1. Meanwhile, with triple pane windows, the R-value is from 3.2 and up to 5.5 with 1 Low-E pane. With 2 Low-E panes, it can improve up to an 8.7 with argon gas filled units and up to a 9.9 with Krypton filled ones. The R value shows how effective the windows are at blocking heat from both inside and outside the house.
Triple Pane Window R Value Results
What is R Value?
The R value in windows is a value that shows how resistant the window is to a flow of heat. Simply put, with high R-value, you have a high resistance, meaning that when the window is installed, it will better block heat that tries to escape out of a home as well as heat that tries to enter it. If looking at a climate where it is cold in the winter and hot in the summer, high R value European windows will help minimize the amount of heat that escapes out in the winter and the heat that tries to enter in the summer. This leads to saving on energy bills and prevents overheating in the summer.
R-Values of Double, Triple, and Quadruple pane windows
Regular double pane window R value (no LowE panes): 2
Regular triple pane windows R value (no LowE panes): 3.5
Regular quadruple pane windows R value (no LowE panes): 4
Double pane windows with 1 LowE, Argon fill R value: 3.2 – 3.5
Modern Double pane, Argon fill R value: 3.7 – 4
Triple pane with 1 LowE, Argon fill R value: 5 – 5.5
Triple pane with 2 LowE, Argon fill R value: 8 – 8.7
Triple pane with 2 LowE, Crypton fill R value: 8.5 – 9.7
Quadruple pane with 2 LowE, Crypton fill R value: 10 – 12
Quadruple pane with 3 LowE, Crypton fill R value: 10 – 12
What R-Value Do You Need?
The most important aspect when looking at R value is to understand that it is not the only criteria. Although it is important, whether your windows are reliable is a much bigger deal. If your windows are not reliable, there is no point in looking at R value as you do not need it. You would have bigger to worry about than paying more on energy bills. However, if your windows are reliable, having the proper R value is important. Although the higher the R value the more performance you get, it is not a liner relationship. In fact, after a certain point the improvement in R value is no longer worth it. As an example, the jump for level 3 – 6 would give you about equal improvement as the jump from 6 – 100. So, it is important to know what level to look for and to understand that not every jump gives significant results. When looking at what level you need, you need to consider several aspects. These are the climate you live in and your saving goals. If you live in a climate with cold winters and hot summers, for example, you will need a high R-value of 6 – 8 to save you a noticeable amount each mouth. The real cost to savings tipping points starts to occur at around level 9/10 after which you can expect to pay about double and save only about $100 a month extra. This, famously gives quadruple pane European windows a 100 – 200 year return on investment.
How to Get High R Value Windows
Are Double Pane Windows Good Enough?
Double pane windows vary largely in performance. Depending on your location, climate, and preferences, double pane windows can be th
What Impacts the R-Value?
There are several aspects that effect the R value. These would be the number of panes used, the quality of spacers, and the type of gas that is used to fill the gaps.
Climate and R-value
Different climates require different amounts of R value to be considered well balanced in performance to what you need. As a rule of thumb, if you live in a very cold or hot region, high R-value is essential. But, if you live in a warm region without a hot sun or very cold winters, a medium level of R value, such as with double pane windows, is a good target.
