Every once in a while, when we meet with potential customers in San Diego, we get asked about triple-pane replacement windows. These questions often come from homeowners who are looking for the most energy-efficient windows on the market and have done some research before meeting with us. They see that most of the replacement windows sold in San Diego are double-pane windows, but that triple-pane windows are also an option. They assume that triple-pane windows will be an upgrade that will help them achieve maximum energy efficiency in their homes.
We then have to tell these homeowners that we don’t actually recommend—or even sell—triple-pane windows. Here’s why:
Homes in San Diego Don’t Really Benefit from Triple-Pane Windows
Triple-pane windows are good at preventing conductive heat transfer, but they aren’t necessarily any better at blocking radiant heat than double-pane windows. In other words, they are good for keeping heat IN on a cold day, but they aren’t significantly better at keeping heat OUT on a hot day. In San Diego, our winters are so mild that keeping heat inside isn’t much of a concern for most homeowners.
Triple-pane windows might be worth the investment for homes in areas that experience extremely cold winters, where temperatures regularly drop well below freezing, but that’s not the case here in San Diego.
The Cost Factor
Triple-pane windows can be substantially more expensive than otherwise comparable double-pane windows. Since we focus on offering windows that provide excellent value to our customers, we can’t honestly recommend them. For the added cost, homeowners simply aren’t getting enough additional benefit from triple-pane windows to justify the investment.
What Matters More Than Three Panes of Glass in Replacement Windows
Instead of selling triple-pane windows, at BM Windows, we offer high-quality, dual-pane windows with effective low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. A good Low-E coating helps block much of the radiant heat that would otherwise make the inside of your home hot on a sunny day.
If you want the most energy-efficient windows possible, consider upgrading your glass package to one with a premium Low-E coating. In our expert opinion, this would be money much better spent than paying a premium for triple-pane windows.
Get Honest Advice on Replacement Windows in San Diego
There are plenty of replacement window companies in San Diego that would be happy to sell you triple-pane windows if you really want them. But wouldn’t you rather buy windows from a company that will tell you honestly how to get the best windows for your money?
At BM Windows, we only suggest upgrades to our windows if we truly think a homeowner will benefit from them. We never try to upsell our customers on add-ons that they don’t really need or want. We want every customer to come away from their experience working with us with nothing but positive things to say—not look back and feel like they were taken advantage of.
Our team really does have our customers’ best interests in mind when making suggestions and recommendations about replacement windows.
Contact our office if you would like to learn more about the windows we sell or to set up an in-home appointment to receive a quote.
