Windows are an essential part of any house. They not only offer an aesthetic touch but also protect against harsh weather conditions such as heat, rain, or snow. In addition to that, they also let in natural light, which creates a soothing atmosphere.
Are you planning to replace your home windows but confused about which aspects to consider when buying the new ones? While shiny hardware and beautiful colour frames might seem attractive, one crucial element should not be overlooked – the insulating gas. It significantly impacts the ultimate energy efficiency of your new windows, providing savings or losses for homeowners.
What is Insulating Gas and Why Is It Important?
Nowadays, energy-efficient windows are becoming more popular as homeowners seek to strike a balance between keeping their homes pleasant and minimizing their energy bills. These windows are made of multiple glass panes. The space between these panes is filled with insulating gas such as Krypton or Argon.
Using double or triple-pane windows with insulating gas has various advantages:
- Reduced bills: These gases are heavier than air and move slowly. When entrapped between the panes, they slow down the free energy transfer through the windows. This means your heater or air conditioner won't have to keep running the entire day, reducing the electricity bills. Ecoline Windows experts say that triple-pane units with Argon or Krypton are up to 55% more energy-efficient than standard models, which leads to considerable savings in the long run.
- Sound insulation: If you are also looking to block out the noise coming from outside, these double-pane IGU windows are a great idea. The gases absorb sound waves resulting in sound reduction.
- Durability: Such windows are also stronger than standard single-pane windows, so they cannot be damaged easily.
Should I Buy Argon or Krypton Gas Windows?
Two of the most commonly used gases in energy-efficient windows are Argon and Krypton. If you are wondering, what's the difference between these two, keep reading!
Before discussing the differences, let's look at the similarities between the two gases.
- Both are odourless, colourless, and inert
- Both act as an insulator and increase energy efficiency
- Both are harmless in case of a leakage
When replacing windows, most homeowners prefer to save as much as possible. If you are one of them, argon windows are a good choice. These windows are affordable because Argon is abundantly available, whereas Krypton is hard to produce.
Argon is mostly used in the windows with about 1/2 inch space among the two panes because larger space width is ideal for Argon to perform better. In contrast, Krypton is mainly used in triple-paned windows where the distance between the panes is 1/4 to 3/8 inch, making it optimal to use in smaller areas.
Is Krypton Better Than Argon?
The denser the gas, the better insulator it will be. Argon is six times denser than air, whereas Krypton is twelve times denser than air and six times denser than Argon.
The gas particles in Krypton are smaller than Argon, so they fit better in every nook and gap between the window panes. This means Krypton has better insulating properties and efficiently blocks the energy transfer through the windows.
Despite being better at energy efficiency, Krypton is not as widely used as Argon. Argon is affordable - it may not be as efficient, but it still gets the job done!
Whether you should get argon or krypton windows depends upon several factors:
- If you have a high-quality climate control system and only a small number of windows at home, you don't need triple-pane windows and bear the extra cost; in that case, Argon may be the best investment for you.
- In contrast, if your house is large, the average number of windows is 12-15, and your HVAC system is not among the most efficient ones, Krypton may be a better choice.
Furthermore, you also need to consider the location of your home. If your house receives natural shade from trees and other buildings outside, you don't need to spend extra money on Krypton.
But if direct sunlight falls on your house and your air conditioner has to keep running, you may consider getting triple-pane energy-efficient krypton windows.
However, since Krypton is expensive, manufacturers often use a blend of air, Argon, and Krypton to balance cost and quality. Moreover, the number of panes, double or triple, significantly influences the ultimate energy efficiency. If you want to learn more about glazing and its impact on your house thermal performance, click here.
Conclusion
When buying energy-efficient windows, the whole-unit U-factor (a measure of insulation) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (a measure of how efficiently the window blocks heat) are more vital to consider than the particular material or technology used.
But overall gas-filled windows are a great way to improve energy efficiency and reduce your bills. Not to mention, they also provide noise reduction and added strength. These windows contain either Argon or Krypton between the glass panes, which blocks the thermal energy that passes through the windows. So if you are planning to replace the windows at your home, these windows are a great idea to install.
Learn more about about the best ways to upgrade your home comfort and efficiency with Ecoline Windows online here.