What are the Pros and Cons of Argon Gas in Windows?

Pros and cons of argon gas in windows

Gas fills are the perfect way to turbo-charge your windows’ insulating powers. They displace the air between two or three window panes to prevent the transfer of heat and noise. Three gases lead the way in the window industry: argon, krypton, and xenon. All three gases are inert. In simpler terms, they’re stable and nonreactive, so they don’t change form in ordinary conditions. The properties of your choice of gas will determine its efficiency. You’re looking for a heavy gas that conducts heat poorly and is denser than air. Argon fits the bill, but is it better than the alternatives? Let’s find out.

Understanding argon gas

Window manufacturers pump inert gas through a small hole in the window’s spacer to replace the air. It’s clear, odorless, and inert, so it won’t disrupt the clarity of your glass. Argon is 38% denser than air, so it has a far lower thermal conductivity rate. That makes it the perfect gas to fill double and triple-pane windows. As a naturally occurring gas, it has no carbon footprint to speak of, so you can use it with a clear conscience.

The denser the gas, the more insulating it is. Xenon is the densest gas in the window insulation world, but it also costs a pretty penny. Argon is more affordable, but less dense, than krypton. It’s ideal for standard windows that have at least half an inch of space between panes. Its R-value is about R-6.4. Krypton’s R value is around R-7.6, and xenon’s falls at approximately R-11.

Advantages of argon gas in windows

Gas-filled windows are a game-changing way to improve your energy efficiency, but they also block out noise and UV rays. That means you can finally wave goodbye to sun-bleached décor. When they’re used in conjunction with low emissivity coatings, they can block thermal “holes” for 20 years or more. The latest seals are exponentially more durable, so they’re unlikely to implode as older argon builds once did.

Disadvantages of argon gas in windows

No gas fill is perfect. Every option comes with its own unique pros and cons. Argon’s biggest disadvantage is its tendency to leak over time, but researchers have largely resolved this problem. Today’s argon fills lose about 1% to leakage every year, so when your window reaches its 20th year, it will have retained 80% of its argon. This is a significant energy-efficiency loss. In days of yore, argon windows occasionally imploded, but modern products are far less likely to do so.

Any double or triple pane window carries the risk of condensation if the seal is compromised. As argon leaks out, air leaks in, leading to moisture buildup every time in and outdoor temperatures vary. Still, argon is the easiest window fill to source, so it’s typically the cheapest. It’s easily replaced or repaired.

Argon gas windows vs. alternatives

Air-filled double pane windows offer an R-value of 2.0 to 4.0. While they’re certainly more insulating than single-pane glass, they’re incomparable to gas-filled products. Krypton can offer almost double the R-value of argon. Krypton is 12 times denser than air, which makes it an exceptional option for noise disruption.

Buildings consume an immense amount of energy, but the addition of glazing can reduce heating energy consumption by as much as 5.6%. Argon fills can offer energy savings of at least $120 a year. They generally add less than $50 to the price of a window replacement, so you’ll recoup the costs with less than a year. Krypton is, of course, a costlier alternative, but it pays its dues in regions that experience extreme weather.

Performance metrics for various insulating gases

A 2019 study found that the best double pane windows can offer a thermal value of U=0.22. Triple-pane krypton fills offer a thermal value of over U=0.20—40 % more than argon fills. Even so, the affordable cost of argon windows makes them the most recommended high-value option. You can expect to experience R-values of between 5 and 8 for triple-pane argon-filled windows.

Conclusion

Argon-filled windows are a pocket-friendly way to boost your insulation over the short to medium term. While they used to leak to 65%, today’s manufacturing methods and materials have reduced that loss to 80% within 20 years. This is certainly a loss, but your windows will still be considered energy-efficient at the end of their lifespan.

While krypton is worth the additional cost in extreme weather environments, its cost-benefit ratio is low in fair weather states. If you’re considering a window upgrade, don’t limit your assessment to the gas fill alone, though. The quality of your window seal and frame will add or detract from its value. Even xenon can’t perform when your seal is ruptured.

Are you looking for a professional window installation? Feel free to contact 1-800-HANSONS for a free estimate.