When most people think of gas, they tend to imagine cooking on the stovetop or lighting their barbeques—double-pane windows seldom come to mind. Gas is one of the most common natural states of matter, along with liquid and solid, and is invisible to the naked eye. You may be wondering why this substance is found between window panes. Here’s a brief overview of argon gas and how it can improve the energy efficiency of your windows.
- Is argon gas safe? First isolated by Lord Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsey in 1894, argon is considered a “noble gas,” which means it is colorless, odorless, and has very low reactivity. Argon is a naturally occurring gas that makes up approximately 1% of the atmosphere. Considering how argon gas is present in every breath we take, it is decidedly harmless. In addition to window insulation, argon has a number of applications, including in lighting, cancer treatment, and lasers. In fact, the Declaration of Independence is currently being preserved in a case filled with argon gas.
- How does argon gas improve energy efficiency? In addition to aiding medical cures and lighting, argon has proven to be particularly useful between window panes. Since argon is denser than normal air, it retains heat better and acts as a natural insulator. By helping to reduce heat transfer, argon gas allows you to rely less on your HVAC system, saving you money and energy. When used in conjunction with efficient Low-E windows and intercept spaces, argon-insulated windows are up to 100% more efficient than simple glass windows.
If you’d like to learn more about argon-insulated windows, contact Wallside Windows. Our window specialists have served Taylor and the Detroit metro area for 60 years, so we know which windows to recommend for enduring harsh Michigan winters. Give us a call today at (313) 908-5243, and we’ll send over a friendly expert to help you with your window replacement.
