There are various ways to fill double-glazed . The most common and inexpensive of them are filled with dried air, and their modern designs provide for filling with inert gases. These double-glazed windows are more expensive than regular ones. The modern window market offers such window designs everywhere, and the potential buyer is often not familiar with the features of double-glazed windows with inert gases and has no information about their advantages.
To decide what designs are needed for glazing a particular room, you need to know the difference between double-glazed windows with different fillings and which ones are best to purchase.
Is argon needed in double-glazed windows?
Of course, the question of why inert gas is needed in double-glazed windows worries most buyers. It is worth saying that this option is not new at all, but not so long ago it was practically unavailable.
At the moment, almost any specialized store offers consumers double-glazed windows, the internal filling of which is filled with inert gas. And, of course, this state of affairs affects the minds of buyers.
Is it advisable, in general, to purchase such a design? Let's talk about what properties such double-glazed windows have, their advantages and disadvantages, and whether it is worth purchasing them at all. So, let's begin.
Benefits of krypton filler
Compared to dry air, krypton conducts heat 2.5 times slower and reduces the speed of sound by 36%. Experimentally, it was possible to establish that a window with krypton filling is 20% warmer than a wall two bricks thick. It is noteworthy that in terms of thermal conductivity and noise absorption, this inert gas is superior not only to air, but also to argon.
The advantageous properties of krypton, which is located in a double-glazed window, include an extremely low dew point. The temperature to which the environment must be cooled so that the gases contained in it reach a state of saturation and begin to condense into dew. The fogging process begins only when the outside air temperature drops to -100 °C, that is, this will never happen even in the harshest climate (if, of course, you are on Earth). Another advantage of krypton filler: it blocks 60% of solar radiation.
Features of the production of windows with inert gas
When manufacturing double-glazed windows with krypton, the following steps are carried out:
Krypton is three times heavier than air, so it easily displaces it from the interglass space. This process is controlled by a sensor: after reaching the set parameters, the gas supply system is turned off.
In accordance with the current GOST, the glass unit must be filled with krypton by at least 90%. strictly adheres to the requirements of production technology, so the inert gas almost completely remains in the chamber throughout its entire service life.
Possibility of improving the window design
By filling a glass unit with krypton, you can eliminate the need for extra chambers. The use of low-emissivity glass will make the structure even thinner and lighter without losing energy-saving properties. This circumstance becomes especially relevant when installing large translucent systems in high-rise buildings.
Krypton is used in the manufacture of plastic windows for use not only in cold, but also in hot regions. This technique helps to delay the flow of hot air into the room and reduce air conditioning costs.
What inert gases fill double-glazed windows?
Let’s say right away that at the present stage, double-glazed windows are filled with krypton, xenon and argon. If we talk about krypton, despite its effectiveness, it is quite expensive. Xenon also exceeds all permissible limits at its price. It is for this reason that the use of these gases in windows is simply not advisable. Xenon and krypton are used only in cases where it is necessary for technical reasons. Argon is the most optimal option for use in double-glazed windows. It does not cost as much as its brothers, but despite this, it has good heat and sound insulation.
From all of the above, it turns out that if you are offered a double-glazed window with filling, then most likely there is argon inside it. By the way, according to the standards, the glass unit chamber must be filled with inert gas by at least 90%.
Heat saving characteristics in tabular form
The more, the better the heat retention of the window:
| Gas | Density kg/m3 |
| Air | 1,2 |
| Argon | 1,8 |
| Krypton | 3,7 |
| Xenon | 5,9 |
The mere presence of inert gas without low-emissivity glass provides minimal improvement in thermal insulation. The effect of pumping inert gas into a double-glazed window is clearly presented in the following table.
| In a glass unit: | Efficiency |
| Air | 100% |
| Argon | 105% |
| Krypton | 110% |
| Xenon | 120% |
| I-glass | 150% |
| Argon+I-glass | 185% |
| Krypton+I-glass | 190% |
| Xenon+I-glass | 210% |
There is fierce competition among manufacturers of double-glazed windows and windows, and each company strives to reduce its costs to a minimum in order to offer prices that are interesting to customers. Filling a double-glazed window with argon is an ideal option for high-quality windows in the mid-price category.
Firstly , the design characteristics are higher than those of cheap air-filled windows, and secondly , the price of the product is affordable for most buyers.
Double-glazed windows are rarely filled with xenon or krypton - for individual orders or in the manufacture of structures that require maximum thermal insulation effect.
Functionality of inert gases contained in double-glazed windows
Let's look at argon. It gives plastic windows:
Lowest thermal conductivity. This is due to the fact that the thermal conductivity of this gas is less than that of air, so it perfectly retains heat indoors. According to expert calculations, argon is capable of retaining from 40 to 60% of heat;
UV protection. This is especially true in the summer. After all, it is during the warm season that the greatest amount of sunlight penetrates into the room. So argon is able to reflect UV radiation;
Thus, it turns out that a window filled with inert gas becomes multifunctional. If we compare a single-chamber double-glazed window filled with an inert gas and a double-chamber double-glazed window filled with dry air, then in the end they will rise to the same level based on their thermal insulation properties. In this regard, there is no need to install one camera. Moreover, the translucent structure can be made lighter in weight.
Which is better - argon or krypton?
Before replacing the windows of your home, you will need to decide which inert gas windows are best to choose. When purchasing a window, remember that:
- krypton is approximately 2 times superior to argon in its thermal insulation properties;
- sound waves in this inert gas travel more slowly than in argon;
- This gas, when pumped into a double-glazed window, is resistant to temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation;
- Double-glazed windows with argon are cheaper because the technology for producing this inert gas is simpler and more accessible.
In any case, a glass unit filled with any of these gases will be much more functional than one filled with air. So it’s better not to save money and buy windows with just such double-glazed windows - thanks to them you will make your home more cozy and comfortable.
How to find out if a purchased double-glazed window contains argon?
Let’s say right away that doing this on your own is quite problematic. For these purposes, you will need a thermal imager, the operating principles of which will need to be familiarized with. After the readings are taken, you need to compare the thermal conductivity of windows with and without argon. Of course, to conduct such research, it is best to contact a specialist in this field. It is simply impossible to see whether there is argon in a double-glazed window.
Of course, each buyer has the right to decide whether to buy windows with argon or not. For some, this option is simply not important, while others are afraid of being deceived. But, despite this, the benefits of argon are obvious and, by the way, the overpayment for such double-glazed windows is extremely small.
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What are the disadvantages of technology?
There are two main drawbacks. Firstly, the functionality of a double-glazed window directly depends on the level of tightness. If the double-glazed window remains sealed long enough, then even after 10 years the argon will not erode and will serve properly. However, in the event of depressurization, air will gradually take the place of the inert gas. This will be accompanied by a decrease in the sound and heat insulation properties of the window, and fogged areas may begin to appear on the glass.
Secondly, it is very difficult to check the presence of argon in the space between the glass, and it is practically impossible to visually distinguish gas-filled windows from ordinary ones, so buyers are often afraid of deception on the part of the window installer. Experts recommend buying plastic ones from a manufacturer that has already established itself in the market and has a good reputation in the market.
produces and installs PVC windows based on Rehau profiles in Moscow, offering guaranteed quality. You can also buy plastic windows from us in Vidnoye, order plastic windows in Reutov and other cities near Moscow.
General points
Installing double-glazed windows filled with inert gases is a good way to reduce the cost of air conditioning and heating a room, increase the level of acoustic comfort, and protect against aggressive ultraviolet radiation. When choosing, however, you need to pay attention not only to the type of gas, but also to the overall quality of the design. It is better to focus on products from well-known brands. Filling with gas is carried out to a certain volume; the structure of the double-glazed window must be sealed with durable compounds and reinforced with seals that prevent gas from escaping. Only in this case can the desired parameters and durability be achieved.
PVC windows with argon
They also produce it in Minsk - I saw the advertisement, but they brought it to me from Poland - there it is also written between the glasses in the double-glazed window - argon. What for is it only for you - it’s so hot at home now - it’s hot to walk in shorts - only micro-ventilation saves you, but before you had to walk in a sleeveless vest/sweater.
20 years on the site user #1340
There's a ton of talk on the net about this already
19 years old on the site user #3055
I once asked the same question to my foreman, he promised me he would even find it with sarin if I wanted...
19 years old on the site user #4841
Gosh!
, in what sense exactly do you mean divorce?
For my part, I will say this - the effectiveness of argon only manifests itself if there are not ordinary glasses, but so-called i-glasses.
20 years on the site user #1205
MOHCTPiK
, To keep it warm. I want to tear down the wall and glaze the balcony.
Gosh!
, about divorce - link to the studio
20 years on the site user #1340
MOHCTPiK
, this is from the Zepter series, argon is no different from ordinary air in terms of thermal conductivity. If there was a vacuum, then yes.
and i-glasses themselves are already less thermally conductive
19 years old on the site user #4841
rednaw
, do not forget to properly insulate the balcony, especially the walls facing the street. And it’s better to take the heating there too. Otherwise - argon, not argon, but the dew will drop heavily.
18 years old on the site user #9850
It’s as if k-glasses have already won over i-glasses in Europe.
20 years on the site user #1205
That's right, this argon sucks. The gain is about 6% in total. But I and K glass will be better. https://www.forec.ru/download/gost-steklopak.htm
MOHCTPiK
, What did you use for insulation and what thickness of layers did you use?
19 years old on the site user #4242
Berg:
I once asked the same question to my foreman, he promised me he would even find it with sarin if I wanted...
19 years old on the site user #3055
Balconies brought into the apartment are usually insulated with polystyrene foam - the walls and ceiling (10cm is enough) and heated flooring (taftalogiya). Quite enough. Well, it’s a good idea to move the heating radiators there.
20 years on the site user #1340
bamboo:
It’s as if k-glasses have already won over i-glasses in Europe.
true, just the other way around
18 years old on the site user #9850
hmm, now I'll check with the primary sources
18 years old on the site user #9850
oops. and it's true. sorry
19 years old on the site user #1556
I once asked the same question to my foreman, he promised me he would even find it with sarin if I wanted...
19 years old on the site user #4841
rednaw
, there is a gain in argon, small of course, but there is. And yet - and glass is filled with argon in Europe by default - it is considered that this is the most profitable - this is the custom there.
The balcony is not yet fully insulated - except for the outer wall, that's why I see dew there, I did the front wall of the balcony (fence) like this - I foamed the cracks in it, then cut it and putty on the outside and inside, then laid a 5 mm screen with foil on the inside (which is placed under a warm floor so that the concrete does not heat up), then I laid out 3 cm of BLUE polystyrene foam (which = about 10 cm of regular foam - it’s expensive, but the balcony space is more expensive for me), and laid out the wall with bricks on the edge. After that the usual finishing. I coated the seams between the foam with sealant, and foamed large cavities. The frames on the balcony are packages, i-glass, argon. The outside slopes are insulated with foam plastic (blue) and plastered.
By the way, they insulate the floor with blue polystyrene foam, then lay tiles - he allows it.
Also - if you take the radiators out onto the balcony - you don’t need to do heating for now - in principle, IMHO, of course, but not only mine.
On the outer wall, which is not ready yet - there is already blue foam and a screen - I will proceed as with the fence, but without brick.
PS. Blue polystyrene foam is sold in the outermost container (closer to the exit) at Uruchye - they are the only ones selling it there - usually there are 2 and 3 cm, but sometimes up to 5. Made in Norway, I think.
19 years old on the site user #4841
more about argon inside - this thermal resistance increases up to 15%, sound insulation increases, and reduces the likelihood of condensation
here about balcony glazing
and a couple of links about argon and low-emissivity glass (k and)
Filling double-glazed windows with inert gases (argon, krypton, xenon) can significantly increase the heat transfer resistance of a translucent structure. This is especially true for modern double-glazed windows, in which one of the glasses has a heat-reflecting coating. Indeed, if you fill the inter-glass space of a double-glazed window with an inert gas (in the future we will only talk about argon - krypton, of course, is more effective, but its cost is off the charts. It’s scary to even think about xenon!), it is possible to increase the heat transfer resistance of double-glazed windows with ordinary transparent glass by 3 -5%, and for structures in which at least one glass with a heat-reflecting coating is installed – by 9–15% [1]. Given that the cost of filling double-glazed windows with argon is almost zero, this method of improving the thermal characteristics of double-glazed windows has become quite popular.
In addition to increasing the heat transfer resistance of a double-glazed window, the introduction of inert gases into the inter-glass space can reduce the likelihood of condensation inside the double-glazed window, as well as slightly increase its soundproofing properties.
It is worth mentioning the hidden reserve of double-glazed windows with heat-reflecting coating. When filled with argon, the thermal resistance of the double-glazed window increases by 15-17%, and the price increases by only 10-15 rubles / sq. m. m. Filling conventional double-glazed windows with argon at the same cost increases the thermal resistance by only 2-3%.
Read more about energy-saving double-glazed windows...
A double-glazed window is a translucent structure for construction purposes made of two or more glasses, fastened (glued) together in the order: glass - chamber - glass - etc. The purpose of a double-glazed window as a replacement for glass is to increase such characteristics of the window as heat transfer resistance, since air and some other gases do not transmit heat well. Double-glazed windows differ in formulas, for example “4M1-16-4M1” - means “4M1” - 4mm M1 glass, “16” - the gap (chamber) between the glasses. Thus, 4-16-4 is a double-glazed window 24 mm thick with two glasses of 4 mm each and a spacer frame (or camera) of 16 mm. Knowing the formula of a double-glazed window, you can determine in advance what properties your window will have.
The designation Ar or Kr is used for chambers between glasses that are filled with inert gases Argon (Ar) and Krypton (Kr). Some manufacturers use a mixture of these gases. I’ll try to explain: Argon is an inert gas in the periodic table at number 18 with an atomic mass of 39.948. This gas is inexpensive. When filling the glass unit chamber with this gas, the formula will be 4-16Ar-4, energy savings will be about 40% of savings on heat losses. But since this gas has a small molecular weight, it passes through the micropores of the sealant and the better the sealant, the less gas escapes. You can watch about krypton here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jywYoKU6C6c. But the most amazing thing is that the mixture of Krypton/Argon gases in the ratio 50%/50%, the glass unit formula “4-16Ar/Kr-4”, gives more effective energy-saving indicators - about 70% savings on heat losses.
argon in double glazed windows
And krypton greatly slows down the “escape” of Argon through micropores. Argon in the mixture will disappear from the glass unit in 50-60 years. Another big plus is that the Argon/Krypton gas mixture is much cheaper than pure Krypton. Various energy-saving technologies can be combined, for example: Solar4-16Ar/Kr-4I - single-chamber, expensive double-glazed window, which will save about 85% on heat loss. And if you also make it two-chamber, for example Solar4-12Ar/Kr-4I-12Ar/Kr-4, the savings on heat loss will reach 98%.
The widespread use of krypton in double-glazed windows began in the USA and Western Europe in the mid-90s. When filling double-glazed windows with this gas, convective heat transfer inside the double-glazed window is reduced. Argon and krypton, as well as their mixtures, were proposed to fill double-glazed windows. However, the high cost and difficulty of obtaining krypton hindered its use. Gradually, as krypton became cheaper, it began to be used more and more widely in double-glazed windows.
To assess the technical and economic feasibility of manufacturing double-glazed windows with a heat transfer resistance higher than 1.0 (m2-K)/W. A series of studies was carried out at the Research Institute of Building Structures. Experiments were carried out with single- and double-chamber glass units of the most widely used formulas 4-16-4 and 4-10-4-10-4, based on M1 float glass produced by the Borsky plant and low-emissivity glass with K and I coating produced and " Guardian" respectively. The interglass space was filled with krypton, krypton-argon mixtures, pure argon, air and xenon.
During the experiments, the following tasks were solved:
- determination of the dependence of the heat transfer resistance of double-glazed windows on the gas composition of the interglazed space for different combinations of glasses;
- determination of the durability of filling double-glazed windows with inert gases (life tests in which the percentage of krypton in double-glazed windows was determined after a certain period of operation);
- determination of the optimal filling scheme for glass units in order to reduce gas losses.
- assessment of the economic efficiency of using double-glazed windows filled with krypton and krypton-argon mixtures.
Is argon dangerous?
Some people, when they hear the phrase “the chamber is filled with argon,” immediately assume that the gas is pumped into the window under high pressure, and therefore the double-glazed window can explode at any moment. This is a misconception: the argon in the window is under pressure of one atmosphere, i.e. under the same as the air in the room. Therefore there is no danger of explosion.
Another question that confuses potential buyers of double-glazed windows with inert gas is whether argon is harmful to health? In fact, argon enters our bodies with every breath: it is the third largest gas in the atmosphere (after nitrogen and oxygen). Therefore, if the seal of the double-glazed window is broken, the gas entering the room will not cause harm to people and pets. And even if the glass in a PVC window breaks, the argon that gets into the room will not be enough to have any effect on the human body.
Double-glazed windows with argon are superior to double-glazed windows with air - that’s a fact. However, it depends only on the buyer himself which option to choose: after all, the inert gas inside the window chamber adds a certain percentage to the final cost of the entire double-glazed window.
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