Double pane windows also called insulated or thermal windows are made with two panels of glass sandwiched over a spacer and sealant creating a space between the panes that is filled with air or with a gas usually argon or krypton.
Argon filled windows problems.
The problem with old windows.
Argon gas has no color and no odor.
It is also likely that water vapor will gradually enter the ig unit resulting in fogging if enough moisture gets in.
One disadvantage of argon is that it slowly leaks out of the window over time.
Argon gas is also relatively abundant in the atmosphere making the windows an inexpensive option when compared to other energy efficient windows.
Sometimes a basic clean will take care of the problem.
It is this sealed space that gives the window most of its thermal performance.
Because old windows are generally single paned they can be drafty and inefficient.
When effective double pane windows should not produce much or any condensation.
Unfortunately it is generally agreed upon that argon gas dissipates out of the windows over time minimizing the effectiveness.
Another trademark problem of double pane windows that have become exposed to drafts and likely lost all the argon gas is when condensation builds up on the inner surface.
These windows can have problems with argon gas leakage.
When sunlight strikes an argon filled window the glass expands but argon doesn t.
One cause of leakage is an improper sealing of the window.
An inability to detect the gas could lead to a situation where the gas leaks without any realization.
Argon is inert and will not cause this problem.
Gases like argon are preferable to air because air contains moisture that can condense on the inside of the glass units making the window cloudy.
Air also insulates less effectively than gas fills.
However the rate at which the dissipation occurs is unknown.
If you re considering replacement windows or even a whole house renovation and energy efficiency as well as high energy costs are a concern you should consider installing argon gas filled windows.
Argon gas filled windows can leak.
Argon is a colourless and odourless gas so it cannot be detected by a human which means the argon could leak from your windows over time and you would not realise it.
The resulting expansions and contractions can damage the weather sealing causing argon to leak out.
Argon leakage can be the result of a faulty window seal.
These qualities make it difficult for people to detect.