The Style Of Door On Trend For 2026 That Better Insulates Your Home

When you think of home design trends, it is easy to go straight to aesthetics. However, it's not just how things look that can make them popular, but also how they function — and how they might be able to save the planet and save you money in the long run. One example of this is opting for triple-paned glass doors and windows. Though the two-pane window is now pretty standard for most homes, upgrading to a three-pane could actually make a huge difference in your home's ability to retain heat, which will not only keep you warmer during the winter but could also save you some significant costs. This could potentially resolve one of the reasons that your energy bills may be soaring.

Now, triple-paned windows are naturally more expensive than double-paned windows because they require more materials, but that initial cost is often worth it in the long run. Not only does it help to keep you warm in winter, but it also helps to prevent heat from coming into your home in the summer. That means switching to three-paned windows can keep down the cost of cooling as well, giving you a year-round benefit. 

In most cases, triple-paned windows and doors are going to be the more expensive option to install for a couple reasons. For one, triple-paned windows cost roughly 10-15% more than double-paned windows, largely due to the cost of materials. There is also the issue of fitting the window into the frame of your home. Not only are triple-paned windows thicker, but they are also heavier. That means that, whether you are working with a window or door frame, you may have to account for additional costs required to reinforce or expand the framework to accommodate the increased size and weight. Depending on the age and construction of your home, triple-pane doors and windows may not be particularly compatible with your home design, so it's best to have the situation assessed before diving into the project. 

That said, if they do make sense for your home — or you are willing to spend the money, time, and effort to make them work — there are some undeniable benefits. This third pane provides an extra air space between the outside and interior of your home, which means it will take more energy for heat to pass through and subsequently warm your home. While you may think that it's only outside temperature that can seep in through your windows, direct sunlight can also have a significant warming effect. This can cause east-facing houses to feel stuffy in the warmer months (though there are some plants that thrive in east-facing windows). 

Installing triple-pane glass in your doors and windows can definitely make a difference on your energy costs, but there's no denying that it's a pretty pricey investment. If you don't have the capital to make this happen, there are other ways you can help keep your home warm for the winter and cool in the summer. While it's not permanent, you can get a similar effect by using a temporary plastic insulation kit. These kits are affordable and super easy to DIY. Since they are not permanent, you don't have to worry about making them look perfect, either. Though a thin plastic film may not seem like it could insulate your home all that much, it's not the plastic that helps keep the cold out and the heat in. Just like with triple-paned windows, this installation creates an additional air pocket, which makes it more difficult for outside temperatures to pass through. 

Unfortunately, this shrink wrap solution doesn't work on doors unless you plan to seal it off for the winter (though if you make your home cozy enough, you might just be tempted to hibernate). Still, there are other ways to keep your door functional while continuing to trap heat. Instead of opting for a triple-pane door, you can also achieve excellent insulation with a foam-filled solid-core door. Though it may seem insignificant, it is also actually super important to seal your door gaps in the winter. Making sure that you have excellent wind and weather-proofing seals prevents drafts that like to sneak in around the edges.