Argon and krypton might sound like something from a Superman movie, but these are actually two gasses used in the manufacture of double and triple-pane windows. What are the advantages of having gas in your windows? Increased energy efficiency.
Benefits of Gas-Filled Window Panes
Argon and krypton are both colorless, odorless, non-toxic gases which add extra insulating value to thermal windows. These types of windows, also known as insulated glass units (IGUs), can substantially improve the energy efficiency of your home. When one of these gasses fills the void between the panes of glass, the window becomes even more energy efficient.
Krypton is even more energy-efficient than argon, but it is not as abundant and therefore is more expensive when used for window insulation. Krypton also has the advantage of not expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. This means krypton-filled windows are less likely to leak over time.
All of these gasses are non-toxic, so if a gas-filled window breaks, there is no danger from the release of the gas into the environment.
Which gas is best is mostly a factor of cost and project budget and the desired lifespan of the thermal window.
Finding Gas-Filled Thermal Windows in the High Desert
Krypton and argon might sound exotic, but gas-filled thermal windows are easy to find from most thermal window manufactures.
Installing these types of windows is the same as installing any other new or replacement window, and the installation costs are usually the same either way. Argon-filled windows are only slightly more expensive than non-gas filled thermal windows.
