Argon Gas Windows Condensation

When effective double pane windows should not produce much or any condensation.

Argon gas windows condensation. 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. This can be a problem in double pane gas filled windows. Argon gas windows are energy efficient due to the density of argon gas being heavier than oxygen. A critical temperature known as the dew point exists where these water droplets will be forced so close together that they merge into visible liquid in a process called condensation.

Double pane windows have a layer of gas usually argon or air trapped between two panes of glass that acts as insulation to reduce heat loss through the window. By keeping the heat or cold air inside the house the windows provide a better insulator than windows with oxygen between the panes. Air also insulates less effectively than gas fills. You ve probably got a gas leak.

In these dense gases the molecules move very much slower under the impact of thermal energy which means windows with igus filled with such gas will create a much better barrier against heat loss. Condensation risks if an argon filled window has even the smallest gaps in it the argon gas that escapes can be replaced by moisture laden air. Laboratory testing shows that modern double paned windows with low e glass and argon gas allow about 37 relative indoor humidity without condensation at 70 f inside 0 f outside. 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.

Sometimes a basic clean will take care of the problem. Old single pane windows only allow about 12 relative indoor humidity. Argon is an inexpensive non toxic colorless and odorless gas that occurs naturally and constitutes less than 1 percent of earth s atmosphere. 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.

You ll notice this only when the window has lost a significant portion of the gas as condensation will build up inside the product without the argon gas. Some rv windows are factory filled with argon or nitrogen gas. In this way the gas between the double paned windows are less effected by convection currents and drafts. Condensation forms in the center of the glass inside the house your window is trying to tell you.