Best Windows for Keeping Heat in During Winter

Don’t want to deal with cold drafts again this winter? Here’s how to keep the heat inside the home.

When winter hits, there’s nothing worse than the cold sneaking in – and up to 30% of a home’s heat loss can happen through inefficient windows. If your heating bills are climbing or certain rooms never stay warm, it’s time to consider upgrading.

In this blog, we’ll look at the best windows for keeping heat in during winter, why frame material and glass type matter so much, and how Centra Install Pros can help you choose the perfect option for your home.

What Windows Are Best for Winter?

1. Vinyl Windows with Multi-chamber Frames: Built for Warmth

Vinyl windows are one of the most popular choices for Canadian homeowners – and for good reason.

Unlike metal frames (like aluminum), vinyl doesn’t conduct heat easily, making it a natural insulator. But not all vinyl windows are created equal.

High-performance vinyl windows, like those offered by Centra Install Pros, have multi-chamber frames. These feature multiple internal cavities (or “chambers”) within the frame profile to improve insulation. Each chamber acts as a barrier that slows down heat transfer. The trapped air inside these chambers serves as an insulating layer – helping keep indoor spaces warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Additionally, the segmented structure adds rigidity to the frame, enhancing durability and resistance to warping.

Benefits of Multi-chamber Vinyl Windows:

• Improved thermal insulation and energy efficiency
• Long-lasting, low-maintenance performance
• Excellent value for cost-conscious homeowners

For homes in colder climates like Western Canada, multi-chamber vinyl frames are one of the most effective ways to retain indoor heat and reduce energy waste.

2. LoE (Low-Emissivity) Coatings: The Invisible Energy Saver

Even the best window frame can’t do all the work – the glass itself plays a major role in keeping your home warm. That’s where LoE coatings come in.

LoE glass features a microscopically thin metallic coating that reflects radiant heat back into your home while still letting natural light in. They also do the opposite in summer, keeping heat out. Think of it as an invisible shield that helps maintain a comfortable temperature year-round.

• In winter: LoE coatings reflect indoor heat back inside, reducing energy loss.
• In summer: They help block excess solar heat, keeping your home cooler.

This means you get better temperature control, lower energy bills, and less strain on your heating and cooling systems.

Centra Install Pros offers a range of LoE glass options that can be tailored to your climate and exposure – whether you get lots of direct sunlight or your home sits in a shady area.

3. Triple Pane Windows: Maximum Insulation for Harsh Winters

If energy efficiency and comfort are your top priorities, triple pane windows are worth the investment.

Each window has three layers of glass with insulating gas fills (often argon) between them. This design can significantly reduce heat transfer, condensation, and sound transmission (especially if you use offset glass thicknesses).

Benefits of Triple Pane Windows:

• Up to 50% better insulation than standard double pane glass
• Improved soundproofing for quieter living spaces
• Enhanced comfort and consistent indoor temperatures
• Ideal for cold regions or high-energy-cost areas

Triple pane windows are particularly effective in regions that experience long, harsh winters, helping to cut heating costs while maintaining a cozy, consistent indoor climate.

4. Hybrid Vinyl-Aluminum Windows: Strength Meets Efficiency

If you live in an area that experiences hail, high winds, or other severe weather, durability is just as important as thermal performance.

That’s where Centra’s Supreme Collection hybrid windows shine. These windows combine a vinyl interior – for exceptional insulation and energy performance – with an aluminum exterior that stands up to impact, hail, and extreme conditions.

Why Hybrid Windows Are Great for Harsh Climates:

• Aluminum exterior resists dents, warping, and fading
• Vinyl interior provides superior thermal efficiency
• Low maintenance and long lifespan
• Sleek, modern aesthetic

This dual-material construction gives you the best of both worlds: warmth and resilience. They’re a perfect fit for regions across Western Canada that face unpredictable winter weather.

5. Professional Installation Matters More Than You Think

Even the most energy-efficient window can underperform if not installed correctly. Poor installation can create gaps that allow warm air to escape and cold drafts to enter—undoing all the benefits of high-quality windows.

At Centra Install Pros, our in-house team of professional installers (who are also Centra Employee Owners themselves) ensures every window is sealed, insulated, and installed to manufacturer standards. No subcontractors or shortcuts!

We also back our work with an industry-leading 30-year warranty covering the glass, the frame, the installation, and even labour costs for the full duration. That’s real peace of mind when winter comes knocking.

FAQ: Energy-Efficient Windows for Winter

1. What type of windows keep heat in best during winter?

Triple pane vinyl windows with multichamber frames and LoE coatings provide the best insulation against heat loss in during the winter season.

2. Are triple-pane windows worth it in milder winters?

Triple-pane vinyl windows can still be worth it in milder climates. While they’re ideal for cold climates, they also improve comfort, reduce condensation, and cut noise year-round wherever you live.

3. How do LoE coatings work?

LoE coatings work by reflecting heat back into your home during winter and blocking heat in summer, making your windows energy-efficient in all seasons.

4. What if I live in an area with frequent hail or storms?

Hybrid vinyl-aluminum windows, like Centra’s Supreme Collection, are the perfect solution for homes in areas that experience hail and storms. The aluminum exterior provides durability, while the vinyl interior offers superior thermal performance.

5. Will new windows really lower my heating bills?

Yes – windows are well known to reduce heating bills. Properly installed energy-efficient windows can reduce heat loss by up to 30%, lowering your monthly utility costs.

Final Thoughts: Keep the Warmth Inside and the Cold Outside

Stay cozy this winter with windows built for Canadian conditions and installed by the experts who stand behind them. Whether you’re upgrading to triple pane glass, multichamber vinyl, or hybrid frames, Centra Install Pros has the expertise to help you make the right choice for your home and climate. Book your free quote with the Pros today!

Centra: Western Canada’s Top Choice for Windows & Doors

Have an upcoming window and door project? Reach out to the experts at Centra Windows & Install Pros for a free consultation! If you have any questions regarding this topic or anything else to do with windows, contact a local Centra Employee Owner at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date, and test your window knowledge on LinkedIn.