What is Argon Gas?

Don’t be alarmed when you find out from your home improvement VA contractor that there is argon gas in your windows. This is a non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas that makes the windows more energy efficient. The windows that we sell and install at Sunshine Contracting have this glass in between the panels. At one time manufacturers filled the space between panels of glass in windows with air. New technology has allowed them to use gas for this purpose – either Argon or Krypton.

Requirements for the use of Argon gas

The space between the glass panels in a window will determine whether which type of gas is used as the filler. In order for argon gas to be used this space has to be at least ½ inch in thickness. This is the norm for the windows that we sell at Sunshine Contracting. This is the same space as is used for air filling between the two panels of glass.

Krypton is not commonly used in the majority of windows. It makes the cost of windows much higher for home improvement. VA homeowners will only find this gas in windows where the space between the glass panels is very narrow.

Why Argon gas is used in windows

When you purchase windows for home improvement, VA homeowners can look at the sticker on the bottom of the window to find out what kind of gas it contains. This is true for all windows we sell at Sunshine Contracting. The reasons for having this gas in between the glass are:

• Reduction of the amount of air that circulates between the panels
• Heat doesn’t rise to the top of the window and cold settle to the bottom
• The windows are more energy efficient because less heat is able to transfer through the glass.

The inclusion of Argon gas is something that manufacturers have developed in order to save homeowners money on their heating and cooling costs. You will notice that when you touch the window that the glass is only slightly cooler or warmer than the temperature inside and out. It does not have any effect on the ease or cost of installation, but it does assure you that you can have a higher degree of control over your electricity costs and fuel usage. There is no specification as to the size or shape of the window because the gas refers only to the space that exists between the panels of glass.