How much better is it to have low-e glass and argon gas?
Question:We want low-e for sure but...
Should we spend the extra money to have the argon gas or is it not really worth it? What other things should we look for when buying windows? We want engery efficent windows but don't have much money right now.
Answers:
Hi Peggy:
Here are a few points you might want to consider, depending on where you live. If you are in a hotter climate with a/c and cooling concerns, the product would be a little different thanb for northern regions with harsh winters.
The characteristics of a typical double-glazed window with a high-transmission, Low-E glass and argon/krypton gas fill. These Low-E glass products are often referred to as pyrolitic or hard coat Low-E glass, due to the glass coating process. The properties presented here are typical of a Low-E glass product designed to reduce heat loss but admit solar gain. High solar gain Low-E glass products are best suited for buildings located in heating-dominated climates. This Low-E glass type is also the product of choice for passive solar design projects due to the performance attributes relative to other Low-E glass products which have been developed to reduce solar gain.
In heating-dominated climates with a modest amount of cooling or climates where both heating and cooling are required, Low-E coatings with high, moderate or low solar gains may result in similar annual energy costs depending on the house design and operation. While the high solar gain glazing performs better in winter, the low solar gain performs better in summer. Low solar gain Low-E glazings are ideal for buildings located in cooling-dominated climates.
Gas Filled Windows
No longer just two layers of glass in a frame, installing high-performance, triple-paned, gas-filled windows can be a home improvement project that will make a homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. Why? Because filling the space between the glass panes with gasses such as krypton or argon minimizes the convection currents within the space. That reduces the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside of the house. The union of gas and glass firmly stands together to block harmful ultraviolet sunrays and heat transfer, major causes of high-energy costs, faded flooring and condensation buildup.
How does the gas filling in these windows like argon filled windows provide all of these benefits? Because gas-filled windows are better at resisting heat flow and better at insulating, giving them a lower U-factor. Gas-filled windows have significantly lower u-factors, thereby reducing energy costs. They also make the home more comfortable by reducing the amount of solar radiation coming through the glass in hot climates, while maintaining a higher interior temperature during winter. The higher temperature of the interior glass surface also reduces frost and condensation.
Hope this helps.
the low-e glass really does save on energy loss, but it really depends on your installation, low-e won't do anything if the fit is drafty. I wouldn't bother with the argon, it's too expensive vs. the savings, it would take years for it to pay for itself
Since you don't have much money right now, Low-E is your best bet. Argon is better but the initial cost is prohibitive to do it yourselfers.
Check with local home building suppliers for low cost, high quality windows at a lower cost.
Good luck.
Low e glass is better and it will help prevent your carpet, furniture etc from fading whenthe sun shines through your windows. Argon gas is just that a gas and within a few years it is gone, so why spend the money, that's a little fact the window people forget to tell you.
The Low-E is best. You also want to make sure that the windows will be aluminum and not vinyl. When it comes to vinyl vs. aluminum, it would take 7 times the vinyl window to get the same heat and air efficiency as well as the sound barrier you get with aluminum. Another common problem with vinyl is that after a few years, the will get leaks and the gas will leak out and let moisture in causing mold in and around the windows. If you want really good windows (expensive) you can get someone from Sears to take a look. I would have gotten theirs but could not afford it. Their windows are airtight, have low-e, lifetime window replacement (great if your kid throws a ball through it), are aluminum, and already has the no break stuff on them that makes them almost indestructable. almost like bullett proof glass. Cool but pricey. If you tell their corporate office you can't afford it they will do a credit check and let you make payments or reduce the price all together.
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