For homeowners and building managers who have never heard the term before, installing ‘argon-filled windows’ in their facilities sounds dreadful. However, this is a standard industry practice. It is perfectly safe, and the practice has been around for a long time.
Argon gas windows are basically a type of double and triple glazed thermal windows wherein the space between the glasses is filled with Argon gas. This design boosts their thermal efficiency, making them a top choice for those who want to minimize the energy costs of their buildings.
How Argon-filled Windows Work
Argon is a colourless, odourless gas that is very abundant in nature. It is denser than air and is used as a window insulation gas in the manufacturing of thermal windows.
Due to its fantastic insulating ability, window manufacturers inject this gas into the sealed space between window panes. It insulates the warmer inner pane against the colder outside glass, significantly slowing the transfer of heat from a building through the whole window assembly to the environment. It is one of the most pragmatic ways to manufacture insulated glass units at mass.
Benefits of Argon Gas Windows
1. Lower Energy Bills
Argon-filled windows are one of the most common strategies to reduce energy bills. By keeping the heat in, they substantially boost your energy efficiency and even raise the energy rating of your building.
By maintaining room temperature, they keep your thermostat from going off all the time during Winter. This reduces the workload on your heating system. And during Summer, Argon-filled windows insulate your room from the hot weather, keeping the space cool at all times.
With your HVAC system working less, you get smaller energy and utility bills. At the same time, your space will feel comfy all-year-round, making it safe and highly desired by inhabitants.
2. Prevents Condensation Formation and its Ills
Argon-based energy efficient windows give you clear window panes. They are less likely to fog or develop condensation because the gas keeps the interior glass surface warmer, reducing chances of air moisture condensing into water droplets.
Apart from being an eyesore, condensation on window panes may lead to water damage or even cause mold to form around the window frame. Argon’s ability to reduce moisture buildup is a big plus for appearance, comfort, and maintenance.
3. Cost Effective
Three major gasses are used in the construction of thermal windows— air, Argon, and Krypton. Air is the cheapest option, but it is not as effective as the others, and is also prone to condensation formation.
Krypton filled glasses are the most effective, providing the best insulation of the three. However, they are quite expensive, costing about 40 to 60% of Argon gas windows. Argon is a cost-effective option that offers a good balance between price and performance.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Argon is a naturally occurring gas. It is not toxic, doesn’t harm the environment nor does it cause environmental pollution. Argon-filled windows are perfectly safe to use in buildings and they last long as well.
Drawbacks of Argon Filled Windows
1. Poor Sound Insulation
Contrary to popular opinions, Argon filled windows don’t reduce outside noise very well. They are quite effective at heat insulation, but don’t significantly block sound. If your home is in a noisy area, don’t rely on these fixtures to insulate you from the racket outside.
2. Efficiency Degradation
Argon-filled windows are known to develop leaks over time. The Argon in the space between panes gets gradually replaced with air, and this causes a noticeable drop in their performance.
If your Argon-filled window, after a few years, doesn’t insulate as well as before or starts developing condensation, the Argon in it has probably seeped out.
As a result, it pays to inspect the window seals periodically so as to detect this issue early. Argon-filled windows’ long-term performance hinges heavily on the integrity of the window seal. High-quality Argon windows with excellent seals often retain 90% of their Argon fill for decades.
Adding Films To Your Windows: A Faster Route to Energy Efficiency
While Argon-filled windows can improve a building’s insulation against heat, installing window films further boosts its efficiency.
Window films are thin, laminated fixtures that are applied to the surfaces of window glasses. They are easy to install, cost way less than other thermal window solutions, and are very efficient as well. Thermal window films make an instant impact on comfortability and utility costs, and that’s why more facility managers and homeowners are opting for them.
In addition to that, window films, such as Solar Screen’s White Opaque also improve your privacy, giving your space that cozy and luxurious feel. They are available in different tints as well, giving you loads of flexibility in improving the aesthetics of your building.
Never Settle For Less
Argon-filled windows are more effective than their air-filled counterparts. They offer more value for money, and are very good at improving your energy rating. But for the best results, take a step further and add window films to your buildings. This further tanks your energy bills and improves the overall feel and look of your edifice.
For more insights on thermal window films and how effective they are at reducing energy costs, explore Solar Screen’s products page. You can also check our blog posts for practical tips on window film installation and how they elevate the comfortability and aesthetics of your properties.