double pane windows worth it?
Looking for a new 5er. One dealer said that the double pane windows only increase the R insulation factor by +1 or +2. That may be, but I also thought the double panes decreased the water condensatio...
Forum Discussion
RustyJC wrote:
A quick Google search indicated R values for a single pane of glass anywhere from 0.85 to 1, so using the highest R value (1) and the lowest improvement (an increase of 1 to an R value of 2) leads to a 50% improvement in thermal transmission at the conservative end.
If I wanted to inflate it, say the single pane R value is 0.85 and the improvement for the dual pane is 2, to an R value of 2.85. The reduction in thermal transmission would be 70.2% at the optimistic end.
Either way, it's not insignificant, AFAIC.
Rusty
A 50-70.2% increase is a great improvement. The dead air space between the glass is what make the improvement. This is the same type of glass that is used in our homes. Most windows with double pane insulated glass have a 3/8" air space and a R value of 2.8. Check out a good window company like Andersen Windows and see what their R is.
