Decreased Efficiency Over Time Over time, windows can develop small leaks, allowing the gas to escape. While this happens slowly, it reduces the window's insulating properties. Eventually, this could lead to condensation, a sign that air and moisture have replaced the argon gas.
The only drawback of argon-filled windows is that it isn't the most energy-efficient gas out there on the market. It shares the same problem with other gas-filled windows such as krypton. A small amount of gas can leak from your window even if its seals are intact to the tune of one percent per year, ideally.
Disadvantages of Argon
One of the biggest problems with Argon gas is that it increases its presence in the air when in use. Argon is denser than air, which can become a problem. To avoid this, make sure to use Argon outside or in a space with a lot of ventilation.
Using argon-filled windows contributes positively to reducing energy consumption, thus having a beneficial impact on the environment by lowering carbon footprint. Standard air-filled windows, while not harmful to the environment, don't offer the same level of energy conservation as argon-filled ones.
The National Glass Association states that an argon-filled window won't experience any performance losses so long as it retains at least 80 percent of its gas. That means that, even at the maximum leakage rate, an argon window could last you 20 years before needing to be refilled.
Double pane windows are typically insulated with Argon gas, and the spacer in the window seals the window keeping the gas intact. When that seal breaks (often referred to as seal failure), the gas rushes out and wind and water squeeze their way in. This causes unsightly condensation between the glass.
As an inert gas, argon will not go bad when stored correctly. It should be safe to use in a TIG welding process, gas purge process or other industrial application even after spending a long time in storage.
Adding argon to your windows typically costs no more than $40 per window, and over time, this small investment pays off through reduced energy bills and a longer lifespan for your windows.
Double glazing has been a popular choice for most homeowners. But no, not all double glazing is filled with gas. Your composite doors, casement windows, roller shutters, and other products (windows, doors) can be double-glazed with either noble gases (Xenon, Krypton, Argon) or dehydrated air.
Additionally, since glass expands in heat but argon won't, anticipate the effectiveness of argon gas-filled windows to be slightly weaker in the summer months. Gas leaks from the windows even if seals are intact. The rate of leakage is around 1% per year, resulting in about a 10% loss of gas over 20 years.
Argon is a colorless gas with no odor or taste. It is not toxic; the only health hazard is that it is an asphyxiant and may displace oxygen in a workplace atmosphere. Routes of Exposure: Argon is not toxic by any route. Asphyxia may result if the oxygen concentration is reduced to below 18% by displacement.
These types of windows are known as "gas fills." To fill the panes, argon is pumped in via a small hole along the spacer, while air is allowed to escape out another small hole in the spacer (2). Therefore, one of the ways that homeowners can tell if their windows are made with argon is by checking for these holes.
Argon is a chemically inert gas. Argon is the cheapest alternative when nitrogen is not sufficiently inert. Argon has low thermal conductivity.
Common Leakage Problems
Like most gases, Argon filled in your windows could leak. The downside is that Argon is both colorless and odorless, hence a leakage could happen unnoticed. Often leakages occur due to poor sealing.
The air space in our windows is generally filled with an argon-gas blend that's denser than air and therefore improves insulation.
However, argon gas may lose some of its effectiveness over time if there are gaps between window panes, leading to condensation inside the window. In such cases, a professional can refill the argon gas to ensure it functions optimally.
Argon gas windows are a strong contender for those looking to improve their thermal insulation for homes. They offer key advantages like energy efficiency and noise reduction but consider potential drawbacks like slow leakage over time.
Advanced Low-E Insulating Glass
Dual-pane: Two panes of glass with Advanced Low-E protection and insulating argon between the panes. Blocks 84% of the sun's ultraviolet rays.
However, small amounts of gas will escape over time. That said, it is estimated that the argon gas in high-quality windows may last 20 years or more with good maintenance.
The most energy efficient type of glass for double and triple glazing is low emissivity (low-E) glass. Low-E glass has a microscopically thin coating of metal oxide on one of the internal glass surfaces. This coating reflects heat back into the home but still lets in the light from outside.
When cost and functionality are considered, argon is a more efficient thermal barrier per dollar spent, especially in the larger ½-inch (11mm to 13mm) gaps between double-paned windows. Krypton is more commonly used in the tighter ¼-inch to 3/8-inch (6mm to 9mm) gaps within triple-paned windows.
If there's condensation between the panes—the window is compromised and yes, it's likely the gas has escaped. At that point, you would need a replacement, as replacing the panes is not a feasible option, you'd just replace the whole window.
Higher levels can cause nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, coma and death. No occupational exposure limits have been established for Argon. However, it may pose a health risk. Always follow safe work practices.
Argon (18Ar) has 26 known isotopes, from 29Ar to 54Ar, of which three are stable (36Ar, 38Ar, and 40Ar). On Earth, 40Ar makes up 99.6% of natural argon. The longest-lived radioactive isotopes are 39Ar with a half-life of 268 years, 42Ar with a half-life of 32.9 years, and 37Ar with a half-life of 35.04 days.
At 20cfh flow, it would last approximately 4 hours (actually less due to post flow and the surge on starting each arc). If it was full at 2000psi, at 1000psi it has approx 40 cubic feet left in it.