What are Gas Fills on Replacement Windows?
Windows are important in your home and perform several functions. But they are also one of the weakest links in the exterior envelope of your home, allowing heat to transfer through. Old windows especially account for the largest amounts of energy losses and could cost you hundreds of dollars every year. So in an effort to counteract these inefficiencies manufacturers make replacement windows in Castro Valley, CA with new advancements and technologies. One such technology is a special gas sealed between the panes of the window.
What are IGUs?
Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) feature multiple panes of glass with spacers sealed together as a single unit. The standard for replacement windows is two panes of glass. But manufacturers make windows with as many as four panes of glass, often used in freezing cold climates.
When first designed, IGUs only had normal air sealed between the panes. But that did not do much to improve efficiency, and because the air would expand and contract the seals were likely to fail after just a few years. Today the gap is filled with something more substantial. Usually, the fill is one of three noble gasses that help improve the R-values on these replacement windows. The modern gas fills include:
1. Argon Gas
Argon gas is one of the most popular options on the market. It has more density than air and the thermal insulation of this gas is 67% better. Because it makes up about 1% of the earth’s atmosphere it is more readily available, and thus more affordable. And because it nets reasonable energy savings many homeowners find it to be a great value.
2. Krypton Gas
This inert gas has even more density than argon and has slightly better energy performance. In fact, it actually works better in tight spaces. That is why you often see krypton gas used in triple pane windows that have a thinner profile. But because krypton is not as readily available it can be more expensive, and not as great a value in double pane windows.
3. Xenon Gas
Many modern buildings feature sizable windows, sometimes spanning an entire wall. You can imagine this would be a nightmare for energy savings. Fortunately manufacturers found a way to improve the insulation on windows with an expansive surface area. Xenon gas performs better than both krypton and argon, making these windows more akin to doors and walls in terms of efficiency. That said, windows with this noble gas come at an even higher cost.
An inert gas fill paired with other glazing technologies can really work to reduce your energy loses in both summer and winter. Want to find out more about this technology used on replacement windows in Castro Valley, CA? Contact Quality Windows & Doors Inc. for more information and answers to any questions you might have. You can call (925) 484-1747 to set up an appointment. Or you can stop by our showroom at 3732 Stanley Blvd. Ste. B, Pleasanton, CA 94566.