ᐅ Windows: Brightness versus Thermal Insulation, Double Glazing / Triple Glazing

We are currently in the planning phase for our dream home and are wondering whether to choose double- or triple-glazed windows. Basically, we prioritize brightness over thermal insulation. We saw triple-glazed windows in a show home, and they seemed to reduce a lot of light. Is there any drawback to installing double-glazed windows in the living and dining areas and triple-glazed windows in the other rooms? We want to avoid condensation forming on the double-glazed windows.

I have not noticed that triple-glazed windows significantly reduce the amount of light. I assume that in this model home, other design features caused the noticeable darkening.

Furthermore, the question should not necessarily be double or triple glazing, but rather the thermal insulation performance of the window. You can get both options, for example, with a U-value of 1.1. In this case, the third pane would not improve the house’s energy efficiency (although it would help with soundproofing).

Only if you are building a house to Passive House standards, for example, would windows with a U-value of 0.7 be achievable only with triple glazing.

It is best to discuss this with your energy consultant to ensure that the overall “house” package works well in terms of thermal performance.

Oh, I had assumed until now that triple-glazed windows automatically provide better insulation than double-glazed ones. My energy consultant simply recommended triple glazing because they are "better"...

As mentioned, there are already better triple-glazed windows available, but also double-glazed ones with the same U-value. This should be taken into account when ordering/planning.