Argon gas windows are an excellent way to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Not only do they keep it cool in summertime, but warm during winter as well.

However, these windows do have one drawback that can be frustrating: over time they will start to leak a small amount of argon gas.

1. Measure the Panes

Argon gas is an excellent option for homeowners seeking energy-saving windows. It can keep your house cool in the summer and cozy during cold snaps.

Window manufacturers add argon to the space between glass panes during production to prevent heat transfer between layers of glass and keep it sealed tight, thus decreasing utility costs and improving energy efficiency.

However, argon gas may lose some of its effectiveness over time if there are gaps between window panes, leading to condensation inside the window.

In such cases, a professional can refill the argon gas to ensure it functions optimally. They use a metering device to determine how much gas is present in windows.

Without regular refilling of argon gas in windows, condensation and fogging in between them will occur over time. Not only does this look bad and impair your vision, but it could also cause water intrusion into your home.

Old windows, particularly single-paned ones, can be a major issue due to their insufficiency. Double-paned windows filled with argon gas will last much longer than their single-paned counterparts.

If your house was built before 1980 and has old windows, argon gas can be refilled to breathe new life into them. Unfortunately, this process is more complex than it seems and requires professional equipment for success.

This process can be applied to any type of window, including double-paned and triple-paned models. Not only is it an economical way to insulate your home without spending more money on replacement windows, but it’s also a great way to reduce energy bills as well.

2. Remove the Glass

Argon gas is a type of gas used to fill windows. It’s typically combined with low-e glass to create thermally efficient windows, which absorb heat energy from the sun while blocking it from entering your home.

Argon is an inert, colorless and odorless gas found naturally in the atmosphere. It has a slightly denser density than air, making it more efficient as an insulator.

Insulating gases such as nitrogen, xenon and oxygen are used in double-pane or triple-pane thermal windows known as Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). Other common insulating gases used for thermal windows include oxygen and nitrogen.

Argon can reduce noise transfer in your home and boost energy efficiency by bringing the window temperature closer to room temperature. This means you’ll use your window less often, saving on heating and cooling costs.

If your argon window has any leaks, it’s essential to know how to refill the gas. Even after sealing the window, argon gas may escape out through the cracks – this can be difficult to detect.

However, a professional can measure the level of argon gas in your windows using a metering machine. This will enable them to identify if there is an existing leak and provide solutions for it.

Professional window replacement contractors can refill the argon gas in your windows and extend their lifespan. They will install new seals and make sure that gas is correctly injected between panes of glass, which is much more cost-effective than replacing the entire window with one filled with this gas.

3. Remove the Spacer

Before refilling your windows with argon gas, you will need to remove the spacer between each pane. A great tool for this is a utility knife – easily available at most home improvement stores.

Once the panes have been separated, you’ll need to clean both the window as a whole and its spacer for optimal appearance. Mix a few ounces of water with 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and an added tablespoon of vinegar to create an effective cleaning solution that will do the trick. Use your vacuum cleaner to pick up any particles left behind, then wipe down both surfaces for a sparkling shine.

In addition to water and rubbing alcohol solution, you may want to add a small package of silicone desiccant for the larger picture. This will prevent your spacer from fogging up on cold days and help identify any scuffs or scratches you may have missed during cleaning. Best of all? Desiccant can easily be taken out and replaced if you decide to upgrade from argon-filled windows for something newer.

4. Inject the Gas

Double pane windows that contain argon gas are the ideal choice for homeowners seeking to boost their home’s energy efficiency. Not only can these keep your air conditioning system working more effectively and prevent heat from entering in summer months, but they will also lower your utility bills over time.

Argon is a non-toxic, colorless and odorless gas found naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere. Due to its low thermal conductivity, it makes for better insulation than air – which is commonly used as the filler for windows.

Insulating properties of insulation reduce noise transfer, prevent excess heat loss and minimize condensation between glass panes. Furthermore, it helps reflect ultraviolet light which can damage furniture and flooring in a home.

Argon gas can be combined with a low-emissivity coating on windows to further increase their insulation properties. This combination works in any temperature and climate, helping you save on energy costs in the long run.

Installing argon gas in your home is possible through both injection and immersion methods. Injection involves injecting the gas into a previously sealed unit, while immersion involves inserting an unsealed insulated glass unit into a chamber filled with argon gas.

Another option is having a company come directly to your home and refill your argon gas, though this is an emerging technology and not always successful. If the spacer in your window fails, replacing it with one that has the necessary hole for injection of argon gas may prove challenging.

Reputable companies can advise you on how to refill your argon gas and what steps to take if the repair doesn’t go as planned. They will also guarantee that you have a warranty for their work, protecting you from any future repercussions of the repair.

5. Replace the Spacer

Window spacers are often overlooked, but they play a significant role in the energy efficiency of windows. These components regulate heat transfer between glass and your home’s interior, keeping your house warmer during wintertime.

They also help prevent condensation from forming on your windows, which could lead to mold or mildew growth. If your spacers are old and worn out, they may not be able to effectively keep moisture out of the air around them.

These spacers are constructed from either plastic or metal material that separates and supports the panes of glass in a window. They may also be filled with argon gas to enhance insulation value of the glass.

If argon gas is escaping through windows, condensation can form inside them. Even if your window materials and seals appear to be in good condition, this issue can arise.

It is essential to maintain the window’s performance in order to maximize its insulating efficiency and ensure your home remains comfortably conditioned. Without proper care, the window could stop being an efficient insulator altogether, leading to decreased comfort levels in your home.

Additionally, if argon gas is escaping through cracks in your window seals and materials, condensation can form on the glass. This issue arises even if your seals and materials are in good condition.

Leaks are unfortunately common and can happen at any time, especially when temperatures shift or humidity levels rise. That is why it is essential to check your windows on a regular basis for any seal issues. If you are worried about leaks in your windows, having them checked by an expert is recommended in order to determine how serious the issues are and if repairs are necessary.