Argon Filled Windows Problems

Double pane windows also called insulated or thermal windows are made with two panels of glass sandwiched over a spacer and sealant creating a space between the panes that is filled with air or with a gas usually argon or krypton.

Argon filled windows problems. Gases like argon are preferable to air because air contains moisture that can condense on the inside of the glass units making the window cloudy. When sunlight strikes an argon filled window the glass expands but argon doesn t. It is also likely that water vapor will gradually enter the ig unit resulting in fogging if enough moisture gets in. A prominent concern with argon filled windows is an issue with leakage.

Because old windows are generally single paned they can be drafty and inefficient. These qualities make it difficult for people to detect. Air also insulates less effectively than gas fills. Another trademark problem of double pane windows that have become exposed to drafts and likely lost all the argon gas is when condensation builds up on the inner surface.

The problem with old windows. One cause of leakage is an improper sealing of the window. When windows are filled with a special low conductivity gas such as argon or krypton it is clear that those gases will be lost over time if capillary tubes are left open. The spaces are filled with argon or other gasses to slow the transfer of heat through the window.

If you re considering replacement windows or even a whole house renovation and energy efficiency as well as high energy costs are a concern you should consider installing argon gas filled windows. One disadvantage of argon is that it slowly leaks out of the window over time. Argon gas filled windows can leak. Argon gas has no color and no odor.

Argon is inert and will not cause this problem. It is this sealed space that gives the window most of its thermal performance. Argon gas is also relatively abundant in the atmosphere making the windows an inexpensive option when compared to other energy efficient windows. Argon is a colourless and odourless gas so it cannot be detected by a human which means the argon could leak from your windows over time and you would not realise it.

These windows can have problems with argon gas leakage. Argon leakage can be the result of a faulty window seal. An inability to detect the gas could lead to a situation where the gas leaks without any realization. When effective double pane windows should not produce much or any condensation.

Sometimes a basic clean will take care of the problem.