How much better is it to have low-e glass and argon gas?

Question

We want low-e for sure but...

Should we spend the extra money to have the argon gas or is it not really worth it? What other things should we look for when buying windows? We want engery efficent windows but don't have much money right now.

Answer 1

Hi Peggy:

Here are a few points you might want to consider, depending on where you live. If you are in a hotter climate with a/c and cooling concerns, the product would be a little different thanb for northern regions with harsh winters.

The characteristics of a typical double-glazed window with a high-transmission, Low-E glass and argon/krypton gas fill. These Low-E glass products are often referred to as pyrolitic or hard coat Low-E glass, due to the glass coating process. The properties presented here are typical of a Low-E glass product designed to reduce heat loss but admit solar gain. High solar gain Low-E glass products are best suited for buildings located in heating-dominated climates. This Low-E glass type is also the product of choice for passive solar design projects due to the performance attributes relative to other Low-E glass products which have been developed to reduce solar gain.

In heating-dominated climates with a modest amount of cooling or climates where both heating and cooling are required, Low-E coatings with high, moderate or low solar gains may result in similar annual energy costs depending on the house design and operation. While the high solar gain glazing performs better in winter, the low solar gain performs better in summer. Low solar gain Low-E glazings are ideal for buildings located in cooling-dominated climates.

Gas Filled Windows
No longer just two layers of glass in a frame, installing high-performance, triple-paned, gas-filled windows can be a home improvement project that will make a homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. Why? Because filling the space between the glass panes with gasses such as krypton or argon minimizes the convection currents within the space. That reduces the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside of the house. The union of gas and glass firmly stands together to block harmful ultraviolet sunrays and heat transfer, major causes of high-energy costs, faded flooring and condensation buildup.


How does the gas filling in these windows like argon filled windows provide all of these benefits? Because gas-filled windows are better at resisting heat flow and better at insulating, giving them a lower U-factor. Gas-filled windows have significantly lower u-factors, thereby reducing energy costs. They also make the home more comfortable by reducing the amount of solar radiation coming through the glass in hot climates, while maintaining a higher interior temperature during winter. The higher temperature of the interior glass surface also reduces frost and condensation.


Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Argon Filled Windows

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How much better is it to have low-e glass and argon gas?
We want low-e for sure but...

Should we spend the extra money to have the argon gas or is it not really worth it? What other things should we look for when buying windows? We want engery efficent windows but don't have much money right now.

Answer 4

The Low-E is best. You also want to make sure that the windows will be aluminum and not vinyl. When it comes to vinyl vs. aluminum, it would take 7 times the vinyl window to get the same heat and air efficiency as well as the sound barrier you get with aluminum. Another common problem with vinyl is that after a few years, the will get leaks and the gas will leak out and let moisture in causing mold in and around the windows. If you want really good windows (expensive) you can get someone from Sears to take a look. I would have gotten theirs but could not afford it. Their windows are airtight, have low-e, lifetime window replacement (great if your kid throws a ball through it), are aluminum, and already has the no break stuff on them that makes them almost indestructable. almost like bullett proof glass. Cool but pricey. If you tell their corporate office you can't afford it they will do a credit check and let you make payments or reduce the price all together.

Answer 5

Low e glass is better and it will help prevent your carpet, furniture etc from fading whenthe sun shines through your windows. Argon gas is just that a gas and within a few years it is gone, so why spend the money, that's a little fact the window people forget to tell you.

Answer 6

Since you don't have much money right now, Low-E is your best bet. Argon is better but the initial cost is prohibitive to do it yourselfers.

Check with local home building suppliers for low cost, high quality windows at a lower cost.

Good luck.

Answer 7

the low-e glass really does save on energy loss, but it really depends on your installation, low-e won't do anything if the fit is drafty. I wouldn't bother with the argon, it's too expensive vs. the savings, it would take years for it to pay for itself

Answer 8

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axjAx

You lose 80 btu's of heat per square foot of glass , per hour. Add up all your square footage of glass in your home and mult. by 80 and you will be amazed. You lose heat by "convection" , "infiltration", and "radiation". The inside temp. of single pain glass is about only 2 degrees warmer on the inside as it is on the outside. Heat sources are usually placed under windows. Heat rises and is cooled by the glass. Or heated if in hotter climates. Either way costing you. Installation is the key thing. Make sure they fit openings without forcing them in. Should be made to fit opening. NOT opening fit window. Seal with high grade caulk on every seam. Make sure caulking has titanium dioxide in it. Keeps ultraviolet light from destroying it in a years time. Also has to have a good expansion and contraction rate as well as adhesive factor. A best window will not perform if not installed well with high grade caulking. Air infiltration is the biggest loss in heating and cooling. Argon gas is a more dense gas then regular air is. It stops heat and cold transfer better. The only bad thing is it usually dissipates in time leaving you without it. If it comes included in the window price fine. Otherwise I wouldn't order it special. Low E-glass, DO NOT REPLACE THE WINDOWS WITHOUT IT! It reflects ultraviolet light in summer keeping home from extra heat gain. Also stops that light from fading curtains and furniture. It helps retain your heat in winter. When the sun is lower in the sky in the winter it will allow more of the heat gain to transfer in helping to warm your home. It is basically a metal film on the glass to that you don't notice and is worth every Penny it cost you. Make sure you get a window with wool pile type weatherstripping and if it has what is called a fin-seal in it , it will cut infiltration by half with then without it. Moving panels should have a interlock system that interlocks with the stationary unit when closed. Frames should be fuss-ion welded frames if buying vinyl units. They are stronger and keep air infiltration out. Locking systems are important. I like "cam locks" the best. If unit is a tall one or a wide one. Have them build the window with two of them instead of just one like most come with .If they allow you to order them that way. Some do , some don't Insulation is measured by a "r" value. The higher the number the better insulation value is. On windows it is a "u" value. The lower the "u" value the better the windows performance will be. This is very important so make sure you look on the sticker and check out the "u" value. Remember, the lower the better. New quality windows, can save you up to 50% of your heat bill or your cooling bill depending on where you live. Your comfort zone will be improved due to more uniform temperatures and it also ads as a sound deadening effect as a extra bonus. You pay for them if you don't have them so you might as well do it.The most expensive isn't always worth the money. Check "u" values to compare.They will also make for faster easier sale of your home if you decide to sell later. Win win thing. I know this answer is long but it could be a lot longer to get to all of it. Figured to help as much as I could. Hope this all helps. kenney g. in Portland , Oregon