Argon Filled Windows Or Not

Argon gas is used to increase the energy efficiency and general performance of thermal windows.

Argon filled windows or not. Double pane windows can be filled with argon gas to help insulate a room and minimize the transfer of heat through the window. In its most simplistic terms argon gas presents an extra layer of protection for your windows. Thermal windows also called insulated glass units or igu are either double pane or triple pane meaning each section of window has two or three layers of glass with a sealed space in between. Meanwhile krypton gas is generally used in windows that have a 3 8 inch gap between panes which are generally triple pane models.

Argon is an inert gas found in our atmosphere. Argon for instance typically increases the insulating r value of a window by only half a point. Insulated glass windows also called double pane glass typically have an r value of around 2 0 to. Argon gas is also relatively abundant in the atmosphere making the windows an inexpensive option when compared to other energy efficient windows.

Unfortunately it is generally agreed upon that argon gas dissipates out of the windows over time minimizing the effectiveness. Argon gas in windows what is argon gas. The result is improved thermal insulation efficiency. The resulting expansions and contractions can damage the weather sealing causing argon to leak out.

The spaces are filled with argon or other gasses to slow the transfer of heat through the window. A double pane argon filled window will have a u value of 25 while a double pane air filled window has a u value of 30. It s an improvement but not by leaps and bounds. Because argon is more dense than air it does a better job of insulating your home than a regular double pane window.

When your windows are filled with argon there is a slightly higher efficiency rating of the window. When sunlight strikes an argon filled window the glass expands but argon doesn t. Argon gas is a chemical element that s generally used in new windows to shield the glass. Since argon gas is denser than air it contributes to the captive air in double pane windows.

A general rule is that argon gas is found in windows with a space of inch or more between panes including most double pane models. Argon gas is one of two types of gasses often used in igus the other is krypton gas. Argon is inert and will not cause this problem. Argon is just one major component that improves the insulation power of your window unit.

When we re asked what s a gas filled window or what are argon windows the answer is they are insulated glass windows or as we know them insulated glass units igus. Even ppg says that w hen 90 percent argon gas fill is used in a low e igu instead of air the window s u value can be improved by up to 16 percent. It s a colorless odorless gas and not harmful in any way if leaking should occur.