Energy efficiency is one of the main focal points in the home improvement industry, directly as a result of energy inflation and the following rise in the cost of living. One of the most popular home improvement installations is double glazing. This is due to the substance that’s placed in between the dual (or triple in windows) panes – and that substance is argon gas.
Argon gas is a substance that heavily slows the transfer of heat from the inside of your home, to the outside. As such, this boosts the level of insulation your double-glazed windows have. That being said, there are some who choose not to bother with argon gas at all. Read on to find out why.
Advantages of Argon Gas
Argon gas is a substance that makes up around 1% of the world’s atmosphere. It was first discovered in 1894 and became popular for use in windows in the 1980s. This gas is colourless, odourless, non-toxic, and generally as safe as air. It is also denser than air, which is what slows the heat transfer from inside to outside.
The following are advantages that argon gas gives:
Higher Energy Efficiency, Lower Energy Bills
The insulation offered by argon gas improves the energy efficiency in your home. This means that less energy is used to heat your home, as less heat is lost due to the insulation. It also works in the opposite direction – as in, during hot summer months, argon gas keeps out the excessive heat.
One of the best things about making purchases to improve your home’s energy efficiency, is that eventually, these things pay for themselves. If you are saving money you would otherwise spend on wasted heat, then you’re essentially retaining that otherwise lost cost. Meaning, eventually, those savings will measure up to the full price of the installation.
From there, what you save, you truly save. And this isn’t even mentioning the value of your home going up as a result.
Noise Reduction
Another property of argon gas is that it keeps unwanted noise out of the home. Not entirely, granted, but by a large amount. The dense argon gas acts as a barrier to sound. It’s hard to quantify exactly how much noise is blocked with argon gas due to the fact that there are other factors in play – as in, how well the gas synergises with:
- Glass Thickness – Regardless of whether argon gas is placed within your double glazing or not, how thick your glass is goes a long way toward determining how much sound is blocked.
- Glass Layers – argon gas is placed within both double and triple-glazed windows. In triple-glazed windows, there are two spaces into which argon gas is filled into. This would essentially make argon gas’s effects twice as powerful.
- Spacer Width – Wider spaces between layers of glass allow for more argon gas to be pumped into those spaces.
Cons of Argon Gas
So, there’s a reason some people turn away from argon gas. In this section, we will find out what they are.
Cost Implication
Argon gas between windows has higher insulation properties than air. As such, they come with a higher cost. This can be enough to turn off otherwise prospective buyers. It’s worthwhile pointing out that the difference will usually be made back over time with the money saved.
Leakage
Argon leakage is a known possibility – although not a guarantee. Leakage can depend on several factors, such as the construction of the window, the integrity of the seals and weather conditions the window is subjected to. Remember, regardless of whether the glass itself is double or triple-glazed, each window is different. Casement windows, sash windows, tilt and turn windows – each one is constructed differently and has varying levels of integrity.
In the event of an argon leak that isn’t caused by noticeable, excessive damage – you’re looking at a very low rate of leakage. Something along the lines of 1% a year. Meaning it will be decades until you see a noticeable decline.
Not so effective in hot areas
So, what if you don’t need so much heating due to your location? Is argon gas worth it then? The likelihood is no, it is not. The reason for this is simple – because unlike stopping warmth from leaving your home, it has a much harder time stopping excessive heat from entering.
That being said, there are things you could do with a window, regardless of whether it’s filled with argon gas or not, to stop heat from entering your property. This is in the form of low-e coatings, which are essentially a thin layer of metallic oxide.
Difficult to Verify/Trust
Another con of argon gas is it’s rather hard to actually determine whether or not there’s argon gas in the window. Whilst there are trust and legitimacy factors at play that determine the likelihood that the product is what they say it is, it’s impossible to tell for sure without specialised equipment.
Argon Gas Windows vs Alternatives
Argon gas windows provide excellent insulation, but they’re not the only efficient choice. Consider alternatives such as air-filled or krypton-filled windows. Krypton, denser than argon, provides enhanced insulation but at a higher cost. Low-E coatings are another viable choice, reflecting heat and improving energy efficiency. Your final decision should consider your property’s location, climate, and budget.
Conclusion
Argon gas windows are a strong contender in thermal insulation for homes. They offer key advantages like energy efficiency and noise reduction but consider potential drawbacks like slow leakage over time. Assess your needs, explore options, and make a choice that provides comfort and suits your budget.
FAQs
Can I replace argon gas that leaks from my windows?
The answer is, unfortunately, no. Not practically, in any case. It’s not possible to refill the argon within your windows as if it were a car at a petrol station. Instead, you are required to dismantle the thing in its entirety, then reconstruct it with the Argon placed inside again. Obviously, this is not a DIY job. It’s also questionable whether it would be worth it, as far as costs go.
How long do argon gas windows last compared to traditional windows?
Well, it’s a bit like comparing apples to oranges because the longevity of your windows doesn’t just come down to whether they’re filled with argon gas or not. Factors like how well they’re made, how skillfully they’re installed, and even where you live can have a huge impact. That said, you could expect your argon gas windows to give you good service for 20 years or more. But remember, argon can escape over time, so their insulation might not be quite as spectacular as when they were fresh from the factory.
