In the ever-evolving world of construction and energy-efficient design, innovations are constantly being developed to enhance the performance of homes and buildings. When it comes to windows, one such remarkable advancement is the integration of argon gas between panes of glass.
Long gone are the days of conventional single-pane windows, as modern technology now offers a variety of sophisticated solutions to bolster energy conservation and indoor comfort!
In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of argon gas in windows, exploring the manifold advantages it brings to both residential and commercial structures. We’ll uncover the science behind its effectiveness, its impact on energy efficiency, and the financial gains it offers in the long run. Additionally, we’ll examine the wide array of applications where argon gas-filled windows excel, ranging from noise reduction and condensation control to maximizing your comfort and well-being.
What Is Argon Gas and Why Is It Used in Windows?
Argon is an inert (non-reactive, non-toxic, colourless, and odourless) gas that is used within insulating gas units (IGUs) to enhance thermal performance and energy efficiency.
Argon gas-filled windows are completely harmless. The gas itself is distilled from the air during the production of liquid oxygen and nitrogen, meaning it is non-toxic to humans and wouldn’t be dangerous if it were to ever leak.
Window manufacturers use argon gas to improve the performance of their windows because argon-filled windows offer greater levels of insulation. Since windows have a fairly low R-value (the capacity an insulating material has to resist heat flow), every improvement including extra glazing layers, low-E (emissivity) coatings, and gas fills help to improve efficiency.
Overall, these enhancements serve a multitude of benefits.
Argon Gas For Windows: What Are The Benefits?
You may find your old windows are drafty.
When this happens, the air around the windows will corrode caulking and framing, further contributing to heat loss. This reduces your home’s energy efficiency and leads to greater heat loss through the glass and the areas around the windows.
Meanwhile, argon gas does not corrode window materials because it is composed of dehydrated molecules and is denser than air. This lessens air movement in between panes, reduces condensation and results in less heat transfer.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Double-paned windows can be filled with argon gas during the manufacturing stages to support a full range of benefits, including losing less heat than single-paned, double-paned, or even triple-paned windows filled with air.
Argon gas replacement windows also help minimize the amount of solar radiation passing through the glass during summer while maintaining a higher indoor temperature during the cold months.
Cost Savings
While argon gas windows may cost slightly more—expect to pay an extra $30 per window— your expenses will be quickly recouped through your reduced energy bills each month.
Argon gas-filled windows are also designed to perform to the same level of energy efficiency for over 20 years or more, ensuring you have a clear return on investment.
Argon gas is the third-most abundant gas in the Earth’s atmosphere, after Xenon and Krypton gas, which are scarce and expensive to use. It is the most cost-efficient inert gas used for insulation purposes, making it great for new windows.
Improved Comfort
When argon gas fills a window, it offers improved thermal insulation efficiency by bringing the temperature of the interior window pane closer to room temperature. This process reduces air currents that occur when different temperatures meet.
Simply put, the gas acts as an insulator during summer and winter to regulate indoor temperatures and prevent cold spots. It goes above and beyond the results you would get from an air-filled double pane window.
Safe to Use
Over time, it is not unusual for gas to leak out of the sealed space between your window’s glass panes. The amount lost usually depends on the quality of the build since some gas tends to diffuse through the seals.
Although argon moves more slowly than air molecules, gas leaks could still occur when the seals between the glass and edge spacer fail. The good news is that, unlike the aforementioned Krypton gas, argon gas is not harmful to humans or the environment.
Reduced UV Radiation
Although argon-filled windows have little effect on radiation, manufacturers usually apply Low-E coating to at least one of the glass surfaces. This helps reduce radiant heat transfer across the air space within the insulated glass units.
Low-E coatings also block selective sunlight wavelengths from passing through, reducing Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), a metric used to measure how well your window unit blocks the heat transmitted by the sun.
It’s Flexible
Argon gas can be used in all types of climates and can be installed in any size. Whether you have floor-to-ceiling windows or an unusually shaped one in the attic, argon windows can be crafted and fit into all window panes.
Get High-Quality Argon Gas Filled Windows At Clera
Argon gas windows are an investment, so make sure they are properly installed by a professional. The good news is Clera Windows + Doors is here to help!
We have years of experience installing argon windows for homeowners in Canada. We take care of everything, from design and manufacturing to maintenance and repairs. With us, you get a hassle-free and smooth process of replacing your old windows and doors.
Contact us for more information or to get a free home estimate. Find your ideal window today!