What are gas-filled windows and why use them?
Installing high-performance gas filled windows can make a home energy efficient and comfortable. When the space between the windowpanes is filled with inert gases such as krypton or argon, it reduces the convection currents within the room. This in turn reduces the overall exchange of heat between the inside and outside of the house. In addition, the gas/glass combination in windows effectively blocks the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. It also has other benefits such as reducing condensation and preserving the color of the flooring from the damaging effects of the sun's ultra-violet radiation.
Understanding fenestration:
While selecting windows for their new homes, homeowners need to understand fenestration. Fenestration is the arrangement of windows in a building. This arrangement has a major impact on the aesthetic appearance of the home as well as the cost of keeping homes comfortable. Ordinary glass windows feature plain glass that offers little protection from ultraviolet rays coming into the home.
Insulated glass units:
The best option of windows for homeowners in most cases is the IGU (insulated glass unit) comprising of at least two pieces of annealed glass sandwiched together with a thermal spacer. This unit is filled with either krypton or argon gas. These gases are denser than air, odorless, and nontoxic and work as invisible barriers to stop harmful Ultraviolet rays and uncomfortable temperatures from entering the home. The IGU also retains the climate-controlled air in the room and prevents it from escaping outdoors.
Gas fillers in the insulated glass units do not pose any health hazards as they are quite safe and are already present in the air we breathe. The units are also carefully sealed so that the gas will not leak out.
