I want to get double pane, energy efficient windows for my home. How important is Argon gas a factor?

Question

I am considering replacing my aluminum single frame windows with double pane energy efficient windows.
One of the manufacturers I have contacted says "I don't put Argon gas between the panes because the gas will leak out in a year or two". How important is Argon or another inert gas between the panes a far as energy efficiency is concerned? Also, some installers take out the entire existing aluminum frame while others insist to remove the entire frame is not a good idea and they leave the frame and install the new windows over the existing frame. Which installation method is recommended?

Answer 1

I think its great that you are upgrading your windows! Argon gas will leak out over the course of 5 years or so. I think the window companys use argon to help them achieve better
energy ratings when they are certified by the NFRC and AAMA. That being said, I would not waste money on argon filled units. Several manufacturers have specifically designed windows to install directly over your exsisting window frames. As long as your window guy is using one of these "replacement" windows, its ok for them to leave your old frames in place. if they are using a window designed for new construction, then they should remove the old frames for proper fit and weather tightness,

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I want to get double pane, energy efficient windows for my home. How important is Argon gas a factor?
I am considering replacing my aluminum single frame windows with double pane energy efficient windows.
One of the manufacturers I have contacted says "I don't put Argon gas between the panes because the gas will leak out in a year or two". How important is Argon or another inert gas...

Answer 3

Argon Gas Windows

Answer 4

This is right up my alley! I sell windows. Anyway to answer while the argon is still in the glass it is great but as stated by other people the seals can not keep the gas from escaping over time do to expansion and contraction. so by year 5 of the window more then 75% of the gas has leaked out. I only will have it put in the window if the customer asks for it specifically. I also tell them about how it is pretty much non existent after 5 years so you are paying extra for something that doesn't last! In the industry we are not even suppose to mention argon anymore because of this. As for putting replacement windows in if the frame is in good shape then there is no problem but a lot of installers will say this because it is so much faster to do a replacement unit then a new one! With a replacement you just pop out the old window and throw in the new one! It might take about 10 Min's to do it where as a new window will take about 25 Min's to half hour because they have to square it up and seal it in! But I personally think it is better to go with a new unit just in case there is something that is unseen!

Answer 5

An average home may lose 30% of its heat or air-conditioning energy through its windows. Energy-efficient windows save money each and every month. There are even some cases where new installed windows can be net energy gainers. The payback period for selecting energy-efficient units ranges from two years to ten years,
Customers seeking to maximize energy savings can consider blend of krypton, argon and air. This option increases the insulating capabilities by lowering the U-Factor with narrow airspaces.

Answer 6

Hi! I just want to thank you for asking this question! You have some very helpful people answering here. I learned some bery usful information this morning! Thanks everyone.

It is also good to know people are thinking along these lines. Even though it is probably economically inspired, I like to think that it all helps cultivate the growing environmental consciousness right now.

I am selling my house this spring and am hoping to buy and 'green' my next home this summer. There was something I found interesting about this house that I thought I would shre.

This may be interresting for those on a tight budget that can't afford those new windows. Most of the windows in this house I have now are double glass already...but!...what the previous owner did was to put magentic strips around the edges of the window and add a removable panel of clear plexy glass. It is relativly thick plexy..not that thin flimzy stuff, the magnet strips create a very good seal, they can be removed to clean with a soft cloth and plexi is not that expensive. It is a great idea. I believe, it makes a significant difference to condensation, heat transfer, wind, noise and as a safety regarding protection if glass should get broken. (City living...sigh, LOL!)


Peace and enjoy!

Answer 7

Well, you already got alot of great information. I just want to add a couple tidbits. First of all, upgrading the windows is a Fantastic idea. Check with your accountant. The Feds are offering TAX CREDITS for efficiency upgrades and if you qualify, this will help offset the initial cost greatly. Hey... who doesn't want a tax break! Secondly, the siding salesman answer is just plain wrong in so many ways. Your current single pane windows are essentially an R-0 in terms of insulating value. Barely better than a hole in the wall. A Low-E thermal pane window with vinyl frame is about an R-3.2. You will be stunned by how much quieter and more comfortable your home is after this project is complete. Aluminum conducts heat very well, therefore, it is a terrible material to build a window frame. Get rid of all of the Aluminum. Be sure to Recycle the aluminum! Lastly, white is not your only option. I just installed a set of Almond colored vinyl windows in an 85 year old home 2 years ago. They have to be special ordered... but if you dont want white it is worth ordering them in another color! Good Luck!

Answer 8

I used to sell these windows

SIMPLE

Argon gas does leak out regardless of name brand and better name brand does make a difference also there are some of these window company that will replace it ,

Argon gas Keeps the Good stuff in and the bad stuff out it basically maintains a certain window temperature so there for blocking out side cold and heat ....

Answer 9

Argon fill is a good idea.

I'm very surprised at the number of people, including pros, who don't understand what is going on with the argon.

If you put a vacuum between two panes of gas, eventually outside gasses would leak in, primarily through the seals. More importantly, the glass would bow towards the center, making a vacuum sandwich impractical. for that reason, you need something between the panes at approximately the same pressure as the outside environment. That something needs to be dry, no water vapor, or you'll get condensation between the panes. Air would work, but it's easier to get other gasses completely dry. Heavier gasses transfer less heat than lighter ones, so argon is the gas of choice- heavy, dry, relatively cheap.
We now have two panes of gas with argon between them at atmospheric pressure or thereabouts. Pressurizing would bow the glass outward, as well as conduct heat more. In order for the argon to diffuse out, something else would have to diffuse in - else you would gradually pull a vacuum. The lightest, easiest to diffuse gas in normal air is water vapor, it will be the primary component of whatever diffuses in. The first sign of argon leaking out would therefore be condensation on the inside of the pane. The insulation value of the gas fill would not have changed significantly before this occurred. Go with the argon fill.

Answer 10

Your aluminum frames need to go with the glass .For all the reasons mentioned above. And as explained you don't need the gas. As much as I've always loved real wood windows , I will no longer recommend them as replacements. The reason is we no longer have the supply of older seasoned wood to construct with. Oh you can, but you need a very deep wallet . Manufactures are researching nonstop for better frame and glass and insulating materials . The stated point that there are really only a few supplying the mass does not stop the supply and demand theme of having a better product to sell to the public . For your house at present the best you should go with is vinyl frame, sealed double glass, standard gas or vacuum air in between .The glass should be low E related to your climate. Reason ? I think best for the buck . .

Answer 11

As you've already been told, the argon will leak out. But, the short sweet answer requires you to think about these two things: Do you want to reside your house anytime soon? And, Do you really want vinyl windows? If white doesn't bother you, then vinyl will be a lot cheaper and the existing frames can stay. This is with replacement vinyl windows. "New construction" vinyl windows will be even cheaper than "replacement" windows, and they can seal up your house a little better.
The real catch is this: If you're going to spend the money on all new windows for the simple reason of energy efficiency, then why not reside your house. Use new construction vinyl windows with the j channel built right in, and you'll have a home that looks brand new from the outside with the efficient windows to boot.
R values for a typical wall aren't that great. Figure R-11 or R-13 insulation with drywall on the inside and OSB or 1/2 in CDX on the outside. Add housewrap or fan fold and vinyl siding, and you're looking at about a total R value of maybe 20 at best. With any window or door opennings, you cut that down to about a 4 to 6. No matter what any "professional" tells you, this is about as good as it gets. Argon will increase this minimally for 1-10 years. What the window companies don't want you to know is that a lot of the windows they spit out already have argon in them. The only really good upgrade that you can get on a window is lo-e glass. This is typically a silver oxide "coating" (for lack of a better word that laymen would understand) that works the same as a mirror's reflection. It reflects infrared radiation to keep the uv light from making your furniture and carpet in your south facing rooms fade.
So my suggestion: Drop another 5,000 to 8,000 bucks. Get a whole house face lift by installing vinyl new construction j channel windows with lo-e in the south facing rooms and "clear" glass in the rest of the house. Viola!