Whilst the gap in between panels was traditionally filled with air, the use of is becoming more popular nowadays, and it’s clear to see why…
If the goal of new windows and doors is provides. and reduction of noise pollution, we’ll look into the added benefits
Your house is full of weak areas where can escape (or come in), causing those bills to rise.
Of course, doors and windows are two particularly weak spots in the home, which is why scientists and manufacturers have been working hard over the years to improve things.
As such, it’s important to remember that not all and doors are created equally.
The type of , the construction of the frame, the design of the unit and even the air that goes between the panes all play a role in how well it performs…
But with the oxygen we breathe being completely free, why is argon used in double glazing instead of air?!
Read on to find out…
What Is ?
is a non-toxic, odourless and colourless gas.
It’s also ‘inert’ which means that, under most circumstances, it won’t react with other elements (or sunlight) which can cause corrosion and other issues.
Approximately 1.5 times heavier than air, it’s an excellent insulator because it does not conduct electricity and does not support combustion.
The use of in the home is nothing new; it’s used in some types of -efficient light bulbs and is one of the reasons why CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Why Is Used In ?
The is nothing new, but traditionally the gap between the was simply air.
Filling this with instead is a relatively new technique, first appearing in a in the 1990s and rising to prominence much more recently.
It’s make-up means it is particularly efficient at keeping from escaping through windows, so the house can be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
It’s also an excellent insulator of noise as the heavier gas molecules help to absorb sound waves, preventing them from passing through the .
This can of course be especially beneficial for homes located near busy roads or airports.
Whilst using manufacturers and homeowners alike. is more expensive than air(!) and other types of gas, it’s still less expensive than other materials, making it a cost-effective option for
Due to its heavier molecular make-up, are also much less likely to suffer from .
So not only are they keeping your bills down, they’re also reducing the chance of costly replacements further down the line.
What’s the disadvantage of ?
Not much!
The main downside of using in is that it is slightly more expensive than the other types of gases used, such as krypton and xenon.
However, the increase in cost is often offset by the provides. and other benefits that
Round Up
Aside from talking with your local documentation for the unit you have (or want to) buy. Rating (WER) -fitter, the best way to determine if your windows are -efficient is to look for the
Overall, is an excellent option for making sure your windows are providing top quality .
The extra expense up-front should easily pay for itself in reduced heating bills in the coming months and years.
Thanks for reading!
Looking for more ideas on energy-efficient doors and windows?
Check out our articles on the best bifold exterior doors or why cleaning your double glazing better can extend its life.