What Is the R-Value of Windows With Argon Gas?
The R-value or R-factor of a material is a measure of its qualities as an insulator; higher values denote better insulation. Double-paned windows with argon typically have a higher R-value than double-paned windows with air. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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A double-paned window consists of two panes of glass that trap a narrow layer of gas between them. Air is the most common gas for this purpose; some double-paned windows, however, use argon or krypton instead.
Features
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Argon is an inert gas that's heavier than air; it's nonreactive, nontoxic and generally quite safe. Its thermal conductivity is about two-thirds that of air, so although the R-value will also depend on the type of glass, double-paned windows with argon typically have a higher R-value than double-paned windows with air.
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Identification
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The R-value of a material is given by its thickness divided by the thermal conductivity. Because argon's thermal conductivity is two-thirds that of air, if all else remains equal and you consider the gas only, an argon-insulated double-paned window should have 1.5 times the R-value of an air-insulated double-paned window.
Effects
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The above calculation won't often apply in practice, however, because the R-value depends on more than just the type of gas--it's also affected by the type of glass, as different glass panes may have different R-values. Double-paned windows with argon typically have R-values between 3 and 4 (using imperial units, not metric), although these values may vary.
Considerations
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For double-paned windows, "2" is a fairly typical R-value, so argon offers an improvement. Using low-emissivity glass and proper seals can help to minimize heat loss further still.
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References
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