Benefits of Argon Gas Windows
4 minute read
Builders use argon gas windows to increase energy-efficiency and comfort in the residential and commercial spaces they develop. These thermal windows, also known as Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) are typically double-pane construction. This means they’re built with two or three glass layers with a sealed space between those panels. The spaces between the glass layers are filled with argon or another gas type, to help slow the process of heat transfer through the glass, among other important benefits they provide.
What are the Benefits of Using Argon Gas Windows?
Nearly all modern thermal windows utilize a gas fill. There are important benefits of using argon gas windows compared with other thermal window types. The United States and Canada both offer tax credits to homeowners and businesses, to encourage the use of this window type, by offsetting the cost of argon gas windows for increasing energy efficiency. Argon is naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, and non-toxic. It’s also relatively inexpensive.
Argon delivers significant advantages over air filling in windows. Air inherently contains moisture, which can transform into condensation between glass window panes, which can cause windows to have a cloudy appearance. Argon is also a superior insulator, compared with air. It improves a window’s thermal efficiency to perform comparably to wall insulation R-value.
Here are some of the many impressive benefits of filling windows with argon gas:
- Argon gas filling improves a window’s U-value and its thermal effectiveness.
- Argon is a harmless, non-toxic gas that presents no risk to building occupants or the environment due to gas leak.
- Using argon gas filling helps minimize condensation on window glass.
- Argon does not promote damage to window frames, making argon gas windows an ideal long-term solution for energy-efficient windows.
- Using gas filling minimizes loss of warmth due to heat exchange through the glass.
- Argon filling will not cause corrosion to windows, as oxygen filling can.
- Argon can be used in conjunction with low-E coatings, to optimize energy efficiency.
- Gas-filled multiple-pane windows are popular with builders for helping in soundproofing.
- Argon gas windows can be used in any climate.
- Filling with argon is highly cost-effective, adding under $50 to the cost of a new window.
- Argon windows are inexpensive to buy but can return large energy cost savings.
- Gas-filled windows are available in both commercial and residential styles and sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Argon Gas Windows
How Do I Know if My Windows Have Argon Gas?
Check the corners of the window to locate the NFRC rating sticker, manufacturer identification, descriptions such as low-E glass, Argon, Energy Star, among other information.
How Long Does Argon Gas in Windows Last?The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors reports findings by the National Glass Association (NGA) that windows filled with argon gas will not realize significant performance loss while they retain a minimum of 80 percent of their gas content. The NGA estimates that, at the maximum rate of leakage, an argon gas window can perform as designed for approximately 20 years without refilling.
Does Argon Gas in Windows Reduce Noise?
Gas-filled windows have noise reduction properties that make them popular for helping in soundproofing. The noise-reducing quality is largely due to the inherently superior noise-blocking performance of multiple glass panes in windows containing argon or other gasses.
How Much Do Argon Gas Windows Cost?Like all filled thermal windows, argon gas windows are priced based not only on the type and grade of window construction materials but also on dimensions, window design features, and other factors. Advanced Window Products offers excellent pricing on top-quality energy-efficient vinyl windows. Purchase with zero down, zero interest, and financing over 24 months with approved credit. We also offer a $2,000 discount with purchases of 10 windows or more.
Which Is Better ‒ Argon or Krypton Gas Fill in Windows?
These days, the majority of thermal windows are filled with either argon or krypton gas, or the two combined (and/or nitrogen, xenon, or oxygen). Argon delivers a better value overall. Less expensive than krypton, which performs comparatively well as an insulator, argon is usually used for filling wider spaces between double panes, whereas more expensive krypton is used for filling thinner spaces between triple panes.
Advanced Window Products, Salt Lake City Utah
We are the leading window company in the state of Utah. We sell high-efficiency windows and perform windows installation services directly from our factory. This allows us to provide major cost savings to our customers. It also prevents common warranty issues customers often experience with third-party sellers.
All Advanced Window Products professional installers hold lead-safe, Energy Star, NFRC, AAMA certifications and are deeply committed to excellence in customer service.
