Swapped to triple panes a few years back—my wallet didn’t throw a party, but my toes sure did.
That’s probably the most accurate summary I’ve seen. Funny how the energy savings pitch always sounds so straightforward on paper, but real life is messier. Out of curiosity, what was your old setup—like, single pane or double pane before you upgraded? The difference between those and triple can be pretty dramatic in older homes, but I’ve seen folks with decent double panes barely notice a change except for maybe some extra quiet.
I’m always curious about the “break even” math people do. Did you actually track your utility bills before and after? I ask because sometimes there’s a bump in comfort and a drop in drafts, but not as much in dollars—especially if your furnace or boiler is already efficient. In my own place (1950s split-level), we swapped out some ancient single panes for triples last winter. There’s less condensation and it’s definitely quieter, but honestly the gas bill didn’t nosedive like I’d hoped. Still feels better sitting by the window, though.
One thing most folks don’t talk about is install quality. Even the best glass won’t help if there are gaps around the frame or old caulk left behind. Did you notice any improvement right away or did it take a while to really feel different? Sometimes people forget that insulation and air sealing play just as big a role as fancy glass.
And yeah… chasing drafts with towels is basically a winter sport in older houses. At least now you can retire those!