
What is Low E glass with Argon? The Low-E glass has an invisible, non-toxic, metallic coating applied to the surface that dramatically increases thermal performance by reflecting radiating heat. The LowE glass is more effective when used in sealed, insulated glass that has been filled with inert Argon gas
Argon
Argon is a chemical element with the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It is in group 18 of the periodic table and is a noble gas. Argon is the third-most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere, at 0.934%. It is more than twice as abundant as water vapor, 23 times as abundant …
What is the difference between low E windows and argon gas windows?
Low-E windows are designed with material inside the glass or layered on it at the time of manufacture. Argon Gas windows are multiple-pane windows that are air-tight with the gap between the panes filled with argon at assembly. It is possible to get windows that are both at once.
What are argon glass windows?
What is an argon glass window? Argon glass windows are those in which the double-pane in a window is filled with argon gas. Argon is a noble, dense, and colorless gas. These properties make it capable of providing thermal insulation for your home.
What is low E coating on Windows?
LOW-E. LOW-E is a virtually invisible metal oxide coating applied to window’s glass during the manufacturing process while the glass is still hot. It is this film that interacts with the rays of the sun. Argon. A regular thermopane window has simple air between the two panes. This air has some insulation properties but they are very weak.
Can low E and argon be combined?
Combining LOW-E and Argon When combined together, LOW-E and Argon gas make a formidable team to combat both cold and warm weather. Energy-efficient LOW-E Argon thermopane windows are thus a product that effectively controls temperature variations. Is the thermal resistance factor better?

Which is better Low-E or argon gas?
0:141:12Low E and Argon - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat low e does is it blocks that heat from coming in and it helps with your house staying moreMoreWhat low e does is it blocks that heat from coming in and it helps with your house staying more energy efficient argon is the gas they use to fill in between the two panes of glass.
Do I need Low-E and argon?
Regardless of the season, Low E & Argon Gas windows ensure the climate is stable in your home. Low E or low emissivity coating is a unique microscopic glaze that helps minimize the amount of ultraviolet, infrared and visible light from penetrating the glass keeping you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Is argon gas the same as Low-E?
Low-E ideally works to reflect the ultraviolet rays, reject infrared and keep your home cooler in a warmer climate. Argon gas is an injected gas between the Panes of glass to help prevent cool air from penetrating in the winter. Argon gas is typically warranted in a colder climate.
Are argon windows worth it?
Since homeowners are looking for a residential window replacement that can help their home be more energy-efficient, argon gas filled windows are at the top of the list of considerations because it helps improve a window's U-value. This allows homeowners to save a significant amount on their monthly bills.
How long do argon filled windows last?
20 yearsThe 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.
Is argon filled double glazing worth it?
Argon is the industry standard for filling double glazing because of its ratio of cost to impact. In our opinion, argon windows are definitely worth it. Despite being the least expensive of the gases available, including it in double glazing will significantly lower the U-Value of any window.
How do I know if my windows have argon gas?
You may also spot two small holes at the edge of these windows, which show that it is a gas-filled model. One of them is entering point for argon, while the other is an exit for the air initially placed between the layers of glass.
Why do they use argon gas in windows?
Argon gas does not conduct heat as well as air, so it's an excellent insulator. Gas filled windows also prevent a buildup of frost at the bottom of the window during cold weather (3). Argon is one of two types of gas that may be used in windows for this purpose; the other gas is krypton.
What is the purpose of Low-E glass?
Solar control low-e coatings are designed to limit the amount of solar heat that passes into a home or building for the purpose of keeping buildings cooler and reducing energy consumption related to air conditioning.
Does low-E glass look different?
If the window contains low-e glass, one of the images will be a different color than the rest of the images. If the window does not have low-e glass, the four reflected images will be the same color.
What time of year is best to replace windows?
Your best bet is to plan your window replacement for a time of year when the weather will be warm, ideally in the spring or early summer.
Are all double-pane windows filled with argon gas?
Most thermal windows are filled with argon or krypton gas, but some use a combination of these gasses and/or xenon, nitrogen, or oxygen. The main differences between argon and krypton windows are cost and energy efficiency.
Why is argon gas used in windows?
Due to its density, Argon gas is better at insulating compared to plain air, which is why energy-efficient windows utilize Argon Gas between the panes of glass. That means in the winter unwelcomed cold is limited from entering your home while the warmth of the furnace stays put and in the summer, the heat is limited from entering your home ...
What are the benefits of low E windows?
Another benefit of Low E & Argon Gas windows is the ability to control solar heat gain. What this means to you is that the heat from the sun that tends to make a home uncomfortable, especially in the hot summer months, will be greatly limited.
Why are windows energy efficient?
These energy-efficient windows are made to essentially neutralize the effects of changing weather on the inside of your home. They help keep a constant temperature longer so your air-conditioning and heating systems don’t have to boot up quite so often.
What is low E argon?
An energy-efficient thermopane window with LOW-E Argon means that during colder seasons, the window allows the sun’s rays to penetrate into the home, letting in heat and light. As well, it limits the escape of heat outward. In the warmer summer months, the windows limit the amount of seasonal heat as well as that produced by various sources ...
Why is argon used in windows?
Argon is the most commonly used gas in the manufacture of windows because it is an excellent thermal insulator. It thus reduces consumption of electricity such as used to heat a room. In addition, Argon is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-reactive to other bodies.
Do windows allow light in?
In the warmer summer months, the windows limit the amount of seasonal heat as well as that produced by various sources (paved driveway, vehicles, etc.) from entering, while nonetheless allowing the light in.
Can you use a double pane window without low argon?
Yes, if you compare it with a double-pane sealed window without LOW‑E Argon. You increase your energy efficiency, especially if you have garage door with many decorative windows. Insulating Glass Unit Performance. (3mm double-pane sealed window with 12.7mm spacer) 2 clear panes with air space. R Factor.
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Benefits of Low-E Glass
An insulating glass unit comprised of two (2) panes of glass separated by a low conductivity spacer
Protective Film
Low-E glass also features a clear protective film that is factory applied to both the interior and exterior glass surfaces. This film helps shield the glass from damage during delivery and construction, and simplifies finishing at the job site.
What does low E glass mean?
Low-E glass stands for low emissivity. Low-E glass is clear glass that has been treated with a metallic oxide coating that is nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Why is low E glass used in windows?
It prevents heat from escaping through the glass, helping keep the building more comfortable and reducing cold drafts near windows.
Is low E glass worth it?
Absolutely! Low-e glass options are definitely worth the investment. For just a few more dollars than standard glass, you get the energy savings, improved year-round comfort, and protection from low-e glass. And that little extra cost can pay for itself with the money you’ll save on utility bills!
Is low E glass good for the environment?
That's good for you and the environment! In addition to energy savings, low-e glass helps protect furnishings from fading. Think about all the sunlight that comes into your entry way and through your windows. Having low-e glass on your storm door and storm windows helps reduce fading on hardwood floors, curtains and other interior furnishings.
What is low E gas?
Low-E ideally works to reflect the ultraviolet rays, reject infrared and keep your home cooler in a warmer climate. Argon gas is an injected gas between the Panes of glass to help prevent cool air from penetrating in the winter. Argon gas is typically warranted in a colder climate.
What is low E window?
Low-E windows are designed with material inside the glass or layered on it at the time of manufacture. Argon Gas windows are multiple-pane windows that are air-tight with the gap between the panes filled with argon at assembly. It is possible to get windows that are both at once.
Is argon gas good for cold climates?
Argon gas is typically warranted in a colder climate. A simple rule of thumb is Low-E is and should be standard in a southern, warm climate, and argon gas should be standard in a colder climate. With all of that being said, it's become truly unfortunate and a market only for the extremely savvy. For those of you that are under the impression ...
Argon Gas in Windows: The Pros and Cons
A window’s purpose is not solely ventilation and lighting, so manufacturers offer many choices. Sometimes a choice is made based only on style or color, but there are other features that serve a specific purpose.
What is an argon glass window?
Argon glass windows are those in which the double-pane in a window is filled with argon gas. Argon is a noble, dense, and colorless gas. These properties make it capable of providing thermal insulation for your home.
Benefits of argon glass windows
Be it a residential or a commercial window, energy efficiency is sought after by the owners to reduce their bills. And when we talk about argon windows, one major advantage offered is energy efficiency. This fact accounts for many of those homeowners who choose argon glass for their replacement windows.
Disadvantages of argon-filled glass windows
Due to the expansion or contraction of window materials, esp. the glass, the gas starts leaking. Even if the window materials and weather seals are intact, leakage can happen in argon-filled windows.
Cost of argon-filled windows
The cost of a replacement window is always an important consideration. The initial investment in installing argon-filled windows is rather higher, around $40-$50 per square foot. Nevertheless, these windows contribute to long-term energy savings and reduce your energy costs overall.
Ready to Buy?
Window Liquidators has a wide selection of argon-filled windows in many styles and manufacturers. Search by state, style, color, brand, and more on our replacement window website.
What is low E window?
What we know as Low-E windows was one of the first advancements made in improving glass pane insulation. These types of windows feature a thin coating of metal on the glass that serves to reflect heat from the interior back in (U-Factor). As one of the first emission control features available; it's application was rather crude and inefficient. A layer of metal was simply attached to the molten glass while it was in production to give it that extra quality. Extensive scrubbing and abrasive cleaning on the window was able to damage the coating.
Why is Low E4 misleading?
They will normally advertise it as such, but the term Low-E4 is misleading because it does not follow the same patterns as Low-E, Low-E2, and Low-E3 already have.
Is Low E4 window a trademark?
This is mentioned due to the nature of the release of products. There is no universal trademarks when it comes to the Low-E products. If you are dealing with a company offering you Low-E4 windows, ask to see some performance charts compared against their other products. Some companies have released a "Low-E4 window" which is nothing more than Low-E window with a self-cleaning coating. They will normally advertise it as such, but the term Low-E4 is misleading because it does not follow the same patterns as Low-E, Low-E2, and Low-E3 already have.
Is glass a porous material?
Glass is made of approximately 75% sand so is a bit porous. Losing approximately 1% of the gas filling a year is not something to be considered a deal breaker. Inefficient spacers of the window can cause a much drastic loss instead. The quality of those should be double-checked if one decides to go with this solution.

Low-E
Argon
- Another benefit of Low E & Argon Gas windows is the ability to control solar heat gain. What this means to you is that the heat from the sun that tends to make a home uncomfortable, especially in the hot summer months, will be greatly limited.
Combining Low-E and Argon
Is The Thermal Resistance Factor Better?