Gas fills are an essential feature of energy-efficient windows, as they reduce convective heat flow. That is, windows filled with argon or krypton reduce the rate of heat loss and boost your home’s insulation value.

Argon is a non-toxic, odorless gas found naturally in the atmosphere that dissipates quickly when exposed to airflow. It’s one of the most frequently used gases for windows along with krypton and xenon.

Argon

Windows gas filled are double or triple paned windows that feature spaces between the glass panes filled with argon, krypton or a combination of gases. Compared to air-filled ones, these windows offer several benefits such as higher R values and lower energy bills.

Argon is a commonly used gas fill in windows due to its colorlessness, odorlessness and non-toxicity. As such, window manufacturers often opt for this gas as an environmentally friendly and non-toxic option.

Comparing other inert gas fills, it offers the optimal balance of thermal conductivity, insulation and safety. As such, it has become a go-to choice for home builders and those seeking to add energy-saving windows to their residence.

However, it’s essential to be aware that argon can leak from between the panes over time due to deteriorating seals. Even so, this leakage rate is relatively low at only 1% annually.

These leaks will cause your windows to expand and shrink, but they should not have a significant effect on the performance or energy efficiency of your home. If you notice any change in performance from your window, be sure to contact a professional for replacement.

Another benefit of argon windows is their inability to trap moisture in the air. This is because argon gas prevents condensation inside the window, instead helping it evaporate quickly.

Condensation can be a major problem in hot and cold climates, particularly for older homes where moisture in the air can lead to mold growth and other issues. With proper ventilation, condensation is greatly reduced.

Finally, argon windows also offer soundproofing. This is because the gas between the panes of glass reduces sound waves from entering your home – particularly useful for people living in noisy neighborhoods.

Argon, being heavier than air, brings the temperature of your windows closer to that of your home’s interior. This improves thermal insulation and makes your window less vulnerable to colder weather – leading to lower energy bills. Furthermore, argon helps regulate indoor temperatures more consistently so you’ll enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures all year round.

Krypton

Window insulating gas fills are often overlooked during window construction, yet they play a critical role in reducing energy loss associated with traditional windows. Many modern replacement windows include a blend of air, argon and krypton gas for improved energy performance – and InterNACHI inspectors can help you determine which option is best suited to your home.

Krypton is an inert gas that acts as insulation between glass panes. It makes a great choice for thermal-insulated double and triple pane windows, and can be accommodated in any replacement window style or size.

Krypton, like argon, is an noble gas that can be used to increase window insulation’s R-Value and minimize energy transfer between exterior and interior of a building. It’s especially suitable for homes in cold climates where it helps lower heating costs and makes air feel warmer.

Krypton has a much lower conductivity than air, making it an excellent insulator to keep heat inside your home. That’s why krypton is often employed as the gas fill in energy-saving fluorescent lamps and also in krypton-filled window panes.

Krypton is used not only for its insulation properties, but it’s also employed in medical applications like MRIs and CT Scans as well as laser eye surgery. Being non-toxic and chemically inert, krypton has long been accepted by health professionals as safe for long-term exposure.

Krypton is ideal for energy efficiency purposes in smaller gaps between double- and triple-pane windows, where its ability to decelerate heat transfer between panels can be more efficient. Unfortunately, it’s more costly to produce than argon, so it is usually only found in more specialized window styles such as double-hung, sliding and awning types.

Krypton-filled windows typically boast an insulating value of approximately half a point higher than their argon-filled counterparts, when combined with a “superspacer.” If you’re in search of an energy efficient window, krypton may be worth considering for your home. Its solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U factor should both be taken into account when making your choice.

Xenon

Xenon is one of the noble gases used by window manufacturers to fill spaces between glass panes. These nontoxic, odorless gases have greater density than oxygen and thus reduce heat transfer and moisture retention between panes. Furthermore, xenon’s less reactive nature allows it to seal windows more effectively than air does.

Sir William Ramsay and Morris William Travers first discovered xenon in 1898, joining the noble gases group. It naturally occurs in the atmosphere at a concentration of one part per twenty million, but can be commercially produced through liquid-air extraction.

Argon and krypton are effective insulators and work well in double-pane windows to reduce thermal transmission between panes. However, if the gap between them is too wide or space too tight, air can still seep out.

A gas’ energy efficiency rating, commonly referred to as its U-value, can be measured and marked in numbers; lower numbers signifying better gasses that slow heat transfer through glass. Utilizing low conductivity gas-fills is one of the cheapest and most straightforward ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

Not the only gas available for window insulation, but it’s the most common. Other options include nitrogen and krypton which can also keep your home warm in winter and cool in the summer, but aren’t as efficient as argon or xenon.

Xenon is the priciest of all gas-filling options, but it’s also one of the most insulating. With a density higher than argon and krypton, xenon makes for better heat insulation from glass in replacement windows with large gaps between panes or high-performance double-pane units.

It’s also rarer than argon and krypton, making it less accessible. Nonetheless, xenon can be an economical solution for homeowners looking to boost their home’s energy efficiency without breaking the bank. Before considering installing xenon in your windows, consult a professional for the best fit for your requirements.

Nitrogen

Gas filled windows are double-paned window units insulated with gas to improve their thermal efficiency. These types of glass units are commonly referred to as IGU (insulated glass unit).

Argon and krypton gas fills offer significant thermal conductivity, which reduces windows’ U-value by up to 67%. This improves energy efficiency in homes while saving you money on heating and cooling expenses.

Argon and krypton gas fills offer some additional advantages, such as their capacity to absorb sound. This helps make a home more secluded – particularly important for those with young children or those living in apartment buildings.

Both argon and krypton gases are inert, clear, and odorless – providing comfort to homeowners who want to minimize the risk of toxic chemicals leaking into their homes. Furthermore, argon gas has less conductivity than air, meaning it doesn’t cause window discoloration or leakage as rapidly as carbon dioxide or freon does.

However, it is possible for argon gas to lose some of its contents over time due to the incompatibility with window panes. Changes in the glass layer can cause the seals that hold argon between them to break and allow some escape of gas.

If your argon-filled window is losing more than 1% of its argon each year, it may need replacing. A certified window contractor can measure the level of argon in your old windows and inject new gas between the glass panes for increased insulation.

However, this option is more costly as it requires the removal of some of your window frame and installation of a new one. On average, having a professional replace your window should cost around $2000 or so.

According to the National Glass Association, argon-filled windows can lose up to 1% of their gas each year. While this is a small amount, homeowners should still be aware of it. As long as your seals remain intact, you should be able to enjoy your argon-filled window for several decades before replacing it.