What is the difference between a three-chamber and two-chamber window: what manufacturers are silent about

The installation of plastic windows in a house or apartment sooner or later affects almost all residents of our country. The difference in characteristics and design causes differences in cost. If possible, some decide not to save and install windows at a higher price, believing in advertising promises. Are expensive windows really worth the money? Responsible master installer with 20 years of experience.

Three-chamber or two-chamber double-glazed window: is it necessary to overpay?

As the advertising booklet of one company promises, a three-chamber double-glazed window exceeds a two-chamber one by 50% in terms of heat conservation. Yes, theoretically it is. However, the difference of 50% only works when the thermometer drops below -42 degrees. If it is -35, then this difference is reduced by exactly half and amounts to 25%, at -30 - 12%, and at -25 - 4%.

For Siberia, where sometimes the thermometer drops to -50, a three-chamber double-glazed window can really be considered salvation, but for the middle zone of the central region of the Urals there is almost no difference - it is so small that it should be taken into account not worth it.

Now for noise protection. The three-chamber design protects against it 20% better than the two-chamber design. This indicator was obtained by artificially creating noise of more than 120 decibels. The sounds coming from the street do not reach such a figure. In cities, noise does not exceed 70 dB, in the private sector it usually does not exceed 20 dB.

Argon, which is blown into the space between the panes, helps to reduce heat loss by 20%. According to an independent expert, this event does not affect heat loss at all. In addition, if the installation of the window structure was carried out perfectly, after 4–5 years the gas will be completely replaced by air.

Another advertising "advantage" is silver plating. Manufacturers claim that it reduces heat loss and minimizes heating from the sun by 25-40%. Yes it's true. However, not all is well here either. If the windows face the sunny side, then the coating burns out in four years, and the structures installed on the shady side “get rid” of such a coating in 6–7 years. After that, the double-glazed window becomes normal.

Conclusion: there is no difference between window profiles with a different number of cameras for an ordinary resident of central Russia - subject to proper installation.