Window Glazing Options:

Single Pane: This option means there is only one pane of glass in the window. This is the way all windows used to be made. Single pane windows are the least expensive but they do not provide as much insulation against cold and heat and so they can result in higher heating and cooling bills.

Double Pane: Double pane glass has 2 panes of glass instead of one like a single pane window.  The space in between is maintained by a 'spacer'.  The space can be filled with a gas like Argon or Krypton to further increase insulation or air is also used.  Most of the top brands on our brand list make replacement windows with double panes. Double pane windows offer a good balance between cost and insulating performance.  One disadvantage of double pane glass is that the space seals can fail and you can get moisture between the two panes of glass - this is called 'fogging'.

Triple Pane: The highest quality window glazing is triple pane but they are also the most expensive.  Triple pane glass is 35-40% more energy efficient than double pane glass.  The space between the glass is filled with a gas just like double pane glass.  One disadvantage of triple pane glass is that the spacer seals can fail and you can get moisture between the three panes of glass – this is called 'Fogging'.

Coating Types:

Clear: Clear windows just means that there is no Low E coating on the glass. Low E coatings reduce the amount of heat that can come in or get out through the window.

Low-E (emissivity) Coating: Low-E coated windows have a coating on the glass to reduce the emissivity or heat transfer of the glass. This reduces the heat loss from your house in the winter and it reduces the amount of heat that comes into your house during the summer. This results in a lower heating and cooling bill. Low-E coated windows are more expensive than clear windows and may be required by your local building code.  Coated windows can reduce the amount of heat transfer by 40-70%. 

Reflective Coatings: If you are trying to reduce the amount of heat and light that come through your window in the summer you can consider a reflective coating that will reflect the sunlight.  This can reduce both the amount of heat coming into your house and the amount of UV rays that are harmful to your furniture, carpets, and drapes.

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