Argon Gas Windows Condensation

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 gas windows condensation.

In this way the gas between the double paned windows are less effected by convection currents and drafts. A critical temperature known as the dew point exists where these water droplets will be forced so close together that they merge into visible liquid in a process called condensation. 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. It is this sealed space that gives the window most of its thermal performance.

Old single pane windows only allow about 12 relative indoor humidity. By keeping the heat or cold air inside the house the windows provide a better insulator than windows with oxygen between the panes. In these dense gases the molecules move very much slower under the impact of thermal energy which means windows with igus filled with such gas will create a much better barrier against heat loss. Argon gas windows are energy efficient due to the density of argon gas being heavier than oxygen.

The better solution is to fill the space between panes of glass in the igu with a heavy inert gas such as argon or krypton. You ll notice this only when the window has lost a significant portion of the gas as condensation will build up inside the product without the argon gas. Argon is an inexpensive non toxic colorless and odorless gas that occurs naturally and constitutes less than 1 percent of earth s atmosphere. Condensation risks if an argon filled window has even the smallest gaps in it the argon gas that escapes can be replaced by moisture laden air.

You ve probably got a gas leak. 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. Double pane windows have a layer of gas usually argon or air trapped between two panes of glass that acts as insulation to reduce heat loss through the window. Condensation forms in the center of the glass inside the house your window is trying to tell you.

Sometimes a basic clean will take care of the problem. If you can find a facility that has the capability of refilling the space with a dry gas your chances of success are a lot better because it is the moisture inside the cavity that causes the condensation. This can be a problem in double pane gas filled windows. Laboratory testing shows that modern double paned windows with low e glass and argon gas allow about 37 relative indoor humidity without condensation at 70 f inside 0 f outside.