Warm Edge Spacers

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Warm edge spacers are one of many parts inside of a window that helps to increase energy efficiency and overall view through the glass. While spacers don’t play the MOST important role in terms of total performance (such as the low-e glass), they do provide a nice addition to quality windows and doors. Let’s dive into the world of warm edge spacers — the basics and history, costs and pricing, and we will detail the most popular spacers on the market today. At the bottom of the page, we’ve included our homeowner question and answer section for real consumer advice and pricing information.

Review By John M. - Site Editor
Publish Date:
Last Update: September 22, 2025

Warm Edge Spacers Introduction

Warm edge spacers are non metallic tabs found within a window’s and/or door’s insulated glass unit. Effectively, spacers separate the two window panes from one another. Back in the day, window manufacturers made spacers using metals like steel due to the material’s strength. However, this proved to be a significant design flaw since metal conducts both heat and cold, which is bad for the overall energy efficiency of the window and door units.

Once manufacturers realized this, they made the move to non metallic spacers (also called warm edge spacers). They found that these non metallic options did not transfer heat and/or cold from the outer pane to the inner or vice versa. The result was an insulated glass unit (IGU) that had plenty of strength to stabilize the IGU, while being much more energy efficient. Progress is good!

Additionally, these warm edge spacers improved the overall view through the glass. By cutting down on temperature change transfer from pane to pane, less moisture occurs within the insulated glass unit. Specifically, non-metallic spacers helped improve the following window energy efficiency components: U-value, condensation resistant, sound proofing, visible distortion, and edge-of-glass temperature.

Warm Edge Spacers Cost

Warm edge spacers will typically cost $25 to $50 per window, although they aren’t typically sold to consumers directly. Instead, they are inserted during the manufacturing process.

Certain manufacturers may offer optional upgrades to warm edge spacers during the ordering process. Therefore, it is always worth an ask to find out if you can choose the spacers within the IGU (even if the answer is no).

Related Topic: Double Pane Windows Cost

Non Metallic Spacer Cost
$25 to $50 per window

















Best Warm Edge Spacers

Here are a list of available window spacers: Duralite, Intercept, Azon Warm-lite, TPS, Super Spacer, Swiggle, and XL-Edge. While many window salespersons will claim that their warm edge spacer is better than the rest, the differences are really not all that great. (Unless you really want to get into the weeds on performance.) Generally speaking, as long as a window unit uses a non metallic, warm edge spacer, you should be pretty well served from a performance point of view.

Duralite
Intercept
Azon Warm-lite
TPS
Super Spacer
Swiggle
XL-Edge

Non Metallic Spacer Reviews

Below are our consumer questions and answers that I have fielded over the years. Hopefully, you can find the answers you are looking for regarding warm edge spacer systems. If not, drop me an email and ask your question - I promise I'll give you an answer that hopefully gets you on your way. Cheers.

Editor John M.

Intercept vs. Super Spacer

Thank you so much for the reply! Do you think the Super Spacer is worth upgrading or just stay with the Intercept Spacer? Also, the Pella Windows representative said the stainless steel on their window was better and would last longer. We plan to be in our home at least another 15 to 20 years so we want something that will last a long time.

Amanda - Homeowner - May, 2021

Website Editor's Answer

Amanda, both the Intercept and Super Spacer are good spacer systems. There is very little difference between these two in terms of performance or longevity.

Editor Jim R. - May, 2021

















Related Topic: Window Capping Cost

* Window Design Pressure Rating Chart