While many homeowners focus on the frame material or glass type, the gas fill between window panes is equally important. Two popular options dominate the market: argon gas windows and krypton. This comprehensive guide will explore the differences between argon vs krypton, their benefits, and help you make an informed decision for your next window upgrade.
Inert Gas Fills for Energy Efficiency
Inert gas fills play a crucial role in improving the energy efficiency of modern windows. By filling the space between the glass panes with a non-reactive gas, such as argon or krypton, heat transfer is significantly reduced, resulting in a more energy-efficient window. This is especially important in colder climates, where heat loss through windows can be a significant issue. Inert gas fills can help to reduce heating and cooling costs, making them a valuable feature in energy-efficient windows.
Argon Gas
Properties of Argon
Argon is the third most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere, making it readily available and cost-effective. Its density is approximately 1.4 times that of air, providing significant insulation improvements over traditional air-filled windows.
Thermal Performance of Argon-Filled Windows
Argon windows can improve insulation by up to 30% compared to air-filled units, offering significant energy efficiency and insulation benefits. This translates to noticeable energy savings and increased comfort in both hot and cold climates.
Longevity and Maintenance
Argon-filled windows typically maintain their performance for 15-20 years, with an estimated gas loss rate of less than 1% per year. This longevity makes them a reliable choice for long-term energy efficiency.
Krypton Gas
Krypton’s Unique Properties
Krypton is a rarer noble gas, with a density about 2.8 times that of air. This higher density translates to superior insulating properties, making krypton an excellent choice for premium window installations.
Thermal Efficiency of Krypton-Filled Windows
Krypton gas can provide up to 40% better insulation than air-filled windows, offering peak performance in energy conservation. This makes it particularly attractive for homeowners in extreme climates or those seeking maximum energy efficiency.
Cost Considerations
Due to its rarity, krypton is significantly more expensive than argon. However, its superior performance can justify the cost in high-end residential or commercial applications where energy efficiency is paramount.
Similarly, xenon filled windows offer excellent insulation performance, making them suitable for modern architectural designs with large glass expanses, though their high price point may not be necessary for typical residential applications.
Comparing Argon vs Krypton: Making the Right Choice
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Argon provides an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making it the go-to choice for most residential applications. Krypton’s higher cost can be justified in extreme climates or for homeowners prioritising maximum energy efficiency regardless of price.
Climate Considerations
In colder regions, the superior insulation of krypton may provide more significant benefits. Conversely, argon often suffices in milder climates while offering substantial energy savings.
Window Design Compatibility
The ideal gas choice can depend on window design. Double glazed windows are known for their energy efficiency and insulation capabilities. Double glazing plays a crucial role in insulating properties and energy conservation by utilising noble gases like argon, krypton, and xenon between glass panes, which enhances the overall performance of windows while addressing common issues like heat loss. Double-pane windows with standard spacing often benefit most from argon, while krypton excels in triple-pane configurations or windows with narrower gaps between panes.
Triple Pane Windows and Inert Gas Fills
Triple pane windows are a popular choice for homeowners looking to maximise energy efficiency. By adding an extra pane of glass, triple pane windows provide additional insulation and can be filled with inert gases, such as krypton or xenon, to further reduce heat transfer. Triple pane krypton windows, in particular, are known for their exceptional energy efficiency, making them a popular choice for homeowners in colder climates. However, it’s worth noting that triple pane windows are more expensive than double pane windows.
Economic Considerations
Initial Costs vs. Long-Term Savings
While replacement windows have a higher upfront cost, their advantages and specifications, such as gas fills like argon and krypton, enhance energy efficiency and can offset this investment. Argon-filled windows typically offer a quicker return on investment due to their lower initial cost.
Energy Bill Reductions
Homeowners can expect to see noticeable reductions in heating and cooling costs after installing new windows, which offer significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency and aesthetics. The exact savings depend on local climate, energy prices, and the efficiency of the existing windows being replaced.
Making the Final Decision
Choosing between argon vs krypton-filled double glazed windows ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and local climate.
Here at Performance Glass, most of our glass panes are filled with argon gas. However, we do offer Krypton gas as an option. Want to find out more? Drop our team an email today on theteam@performanceglass.co.uk.