Window selection is a complicated topic. Which material do you prefer? What window style will you choose? Who has the best brands? And it doesn’t help that windows are so crucial to both the aesthetic and functionality of your home. The thermal performance can make or break the comfort of occupants—especially in more extreme climates.

If you are building a brand new home, the cost to upgrade your windows seems fairly minimal in the grand scheme. But if you are upgrading old windows in your home to high-performance windows, the cost can feel almost prohibitive. That is why making informed decisions is crucial. You want energy efficient products that will not break the bank. So here is what you need to know about window glazing, and which options will work the best in Scottsdale, AZ.

What are Double and Triple Glazed Windows?
Outdated single-glazed windows have been relegated to old barns and garages. If used in a home, single pane windows could render the entire space unlivable due to heat transmission. That is why the majority of windows today feature insulated glazing units (IGUs).

Double-glazed IGUs consist of two panes of glass instead of just one. They are connected along the perimeter by a spacer that seals the gap and establishes the distance between the panes. And instead of just air, most modern windows have an inert gas fill (usually argon or krypton) between the two panes for improved thermal performance and mitigate condensation. You can also choose IGUs that feature three or even four panes of glass. As you can guess, each extra layer of glass gives you some extra protection, but is it really worth the extra cost?

Benefits of Double and Triple-Glazing
Here are a few of the advantages of more panes of glass:

1. Energy Efficiency
One of the main reasons people choose double and triple-glazing is because of energy efficiency. Double-glazing can improve the energy efficiency of a window by up to 80 percent. This makes it easier to maintain the cooler temperatures inside your home. In turn your HVAC system does not have to work as hard, and you save money on energy costs. And you would think triple glazing would provide even better savings, right? Yes, you can get about 2 to 3 percent more insulation, but it will take much longer to recoup the cost when switching from double to triple-glazing.

2. Security
More glass also means more security. The extra barrier is one more layer that intruders have to break through to gain access to your home. It requires more work, more time, and will likely make more noise. So while it is not impossible to break in through double and triple pane windows, it does tend to be a major deterrent for thieves and intruders.

3. Noise Reduction
Noise pollution can be a major problem if you live on a busy street or next to an airport. Another benefit of double and triple-glazing is noise reduction. You will be amazed at how calm and quiet your home feels when you upgrade your windows. And to compare products in this regard you can ask about the sound transmission coefficient (STC).

Do You Need Triple-Glazing in Scottsdale, AZ
To be honest, no. There isn’t really any justification for triple-glazing in Arizona. These windows do well trapping the heat inside for colder climates, but does not provide the same cost-effective benefits for hot climates. So unless you are more interested in security and noise reduction, double-glazing will suit you just as well as long as you invest in low-e coatings. For more information about replacement windows Scottsdale call the experts at Freelite. You can call (602) 233-1981 or visit 331 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85003.