Double pane windows are one of the most effective upgrades for Salt Lake City homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve comfort year round. Unlike single-pane windows, they trap insulating gas between two layers of glass, helping regulate interior temperatures through Utah’s freezing winters and hot summers. Here’s what makes double pane windows worth the investment.
Energy Efficiency
Windows are one of the most important components in regulating and maintaining your home’s interior climate. They help keep the air in your Salt Lake City home regulated and protected from cold Utah winters and hot, sunny summers. You should always get your windows repaired or replaced as soon as you notice a milky appearance or condensation between the panes, since that usually means the seal has failed.
Modern double pane windows use a combination of technologies to make them extremely energy efficient. They’re insulated with argon gas between the two glass panes and coated with a low-emission film that reduces the amount of heat lost or gained through the glass.
When choosing a company for your project, look for years of experience in the industry and a strong warranty policy covering both products and labor. We’re happy to walk you through our own warranty coverage and past installations before you commit to a project.
Low-E Coating
Double pane windows provide significant energy savings, but there are ways to boost efficiency even further. These improvements include better spacing, a tighter seal, and noble gases that make the glass less conductive. This helps reduce the U-Factor, which measures the rate of heat transfer through the window.
Most double pane windows are filled with argon gas, which is non-toxic, non-reactive, and odorless. Some are filled with krypton gas instead, which is even more effective at reducing the U-Factor, though it typically comes at a higher cost.
Triple pane windows take the benefits of double pane windows even further. They improve home value and offer superior insulation, condensation control, and noise reduction. Triple pane windows can also include a laminated coating that keeps shattered glass from scattering, and they’re more difficult to break through, which can be a meaningful benefit for homes in higher-traffic or higher-crime areas.
Argon Gas
Argon is a clear, odorless gas added between the panes of double and triple pane windows to improve energy efficiency. Once sealed inside, it increases the window’s thermal efficiency by minimizing convection currents and blocking heat transfer.
The gas also acts as an effective insulator, helping keep summer heat out and winter warmth in. This reduces utility costs over time and helps prevent frost buildup on interior glass during cold weather. ENERGY STAR certified double and triple pane windows with argon or krypton gas fills are built to meet strict efficiency standards, and you can learn more about how these gas fills affect performance from the U.S. Department of Energy’s guide to window types.
Low Maintenance
There are many decisions to make when it comes time for replacement windows. Fortunately, the right window professionals can walk you through your options and help you find the right fit for your home.
Double pane windows are a great choice for Utah homeowners, offering better insulation and lower energy usage that adds up to real savings on yearly energy bills. ENERGY STAR certified windows are also often eligible for tax rebates, which can help offset the upfront cost.
Double pane windows are available in a variety of styles, including including picture windows, bay windows, and bow windows. These styles let in ample natural light and can be a great design feature in your home. They also typically come with a strong warranty covering the frames and glass, an important benefit to look for when comparing options.
Ready to upgrade to double pane windows? Contact Salt Lake City Windows and Doors for a free quote.