What are triple pane windows?

Triple-pane, or triple-glazed, windows are constructed with three individual layers of glass. While not visible when looking outside, that extra glass greatly improves the window's energy efficiency. Between each pane of glass is a thin pocket of air or gas that acts as an insulator, preventing air from passing in or out. Traditionally, windows have been single-pane, but a drive toward reducing the flow of cold winter drafts and improving home energy efficiency has produced more triple-pane windows on the market.  

Triple-glazed windows are some of the most energy efficient windows available, one step above the new standard double-glazed products. That efficiency accelerates when combined with low-e coatings and gas-filled air pockets. Simply put, the more panes of glass in a window, the more energy efficient it will be. Expect a triple-pane window to be at least three times as efficient at preventing air flow as a single-pane window. A quadruple-pane would obviously be even more efficient.  

With triple-glazing comes improved energy efficiency, but increased costs also tag along. The important factor to keep focused on is energy savings. Upgrading from single- to triple-pane windows save a large percentage on annual heating and cooling bills. There are also rebates available from federal and state governments, as well as some utilities for installing efficient windows.