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 Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: Amy (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date:   

Does it really make a difference whether or not to have Low E/Argon filled windows in
Connecticut, or is it not really necessary.

 

 Re: Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: Tim (---.41.56.pvd.conversent.com)
Date:   

Amy,

In a North East state like CT, the gas will help. The two gasses commonly used are Argon, and Krypton.

To learn more about the energy recommendations for CT visit; http://www.efficientwindows.org/factsheets.cfm

Tim

 

 Re: Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: Mark A (---.dsl.tulsok.swbell.net)
Date:   

I looked up the facts on efficient windows and found that Low-e coating and argon gas filled windows do help, but the annual savings was minimal in my opinion compared to the cost of the windows. The annual cost savings for the low-e/argon gas was only $32 dollars a year. I am being quoted a $40 per window adder just for the argon. That's a pretty porr payout in my opinion. From the performance sheets I saw, the biggest bang for your buck was still using the aluminum frame with a thermal barrier. Much to my surprise and against everything the vinyl salesmans pitch.

 

 Re: Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: e Seaver (---.25.1.68.Dial1.Manchester1.Level3.net)
Date:   

I HAVE HEARD THAT KRYPTON FILLED WINDOW ARE
better than the afron . cna you respond to this?

 

 Re: Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: Mark A (---.dsl.tulsok.swbell.net)
Date:   

I have been told Krypton is better as well, but can you justify the cost. I have been quoted as low as $10 a window and as high as $40 per window for Argon. Yet the annual cost savings make it hard to pay out. Yes they are more efficient, but show me the savings. Krypton is even higher. Gas filled windows only provide very slight gains in efficiency, but sales people over sell this gain at high cost to the consumer.

 

 Re: Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: Harshil P (---.engr.rutgers.edu)
Date:   

Mark A,

Did the salesperson mention what the change in the u-factor of the window would be with the argon? Secondly, how much did he quote you for the the windows without the argon? Please include the size of the windows if possible.

 

 Re: Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: John (---.kc.rr.com)
Date:   

Look at the u-values of an argon/Lo-e window compared to regular insulated glass.
Typically .32 vs .53 or worse. This difference equates to over a 50% difference in effeciency. Still think there is little difference?

 

 Re: Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: Mark A (---.dsl.tulsok.swbell.net)
Date:   

Guys,

If a saleman came to you and said to put 3 feet of insulation in your attic would double your efficiency, when you already had 1.5 feet, and all it would cost you was $1000? And what if he told you this would provide a $30 a year energy savings. Would you fall for it. Based on your statements above you would. The salemen have quoted 10 to 40 $/window, not on size. I have 18 windows in my house with my living room having one whole side (attrium ceiling) in windows. Lets get real here and quit quoting U factors, solar factors, etc. Show me the bucks. How much money does the argon save you and how much are you being charged? Then tell me the payout.

 

 Re: Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: E Stoddard (---.client.comcast.net)
Date:   

Sounds to me like you can do the calculations yourself.

But your analogy does not work here since you plan to replace your windows anyway. What I mean is that if you planned to replace all the insulation in your attic anyway, would you just replace it at 1.5 feet or go for 3 feet? Well, maybe 2 feet then.

I understand that the replacement windows you choose to use are going to be better than what you have, and if you cannot afford to replace them all with the more expensive gas filled windows, since you have MANY windows to replace, then make the best purchase for yourself that you can.

Money is money - some of us have a lot of it and many of us don't. Me, if I had the money, I would go with the gas filled windows if in fact the energy rating is 50% better. Otherwise I would go with the best, most efficient non-gas filled windows I could get (which is what I will probably do when I replace the windows in our home).

 

 Re: Low E/Argon filled windows
Author: Mark A (---.dsl.tulsok.swbell.net)
Date:   

You may be very right in using the gas filled windows. I just had eigtheen new windows and three new sliding glass doors installed in my housing (a lot of windows in this house). The costs I was getting for the gas filled window was approx $20 per window (sliding glass doors were higher), this came to an approx. total of $550. Yes, the claim of 50% more efficient sounds good, but that does not equal 50% savings in H/C costs. If you look at www.efficientwindows.org site, you will see the cost savings. Unfortunately, they never break it down for the savings for gas filled alone. It goes from clear windows to High solar gain Low E w/ gas filled. Based on the average home where I live, I would only save $32/year for both the High solar gain Low E and gas filled windows. Most people will tell you that your biggest gain is in the Low E. Even saying I would save $32/year, a simple payout would take 17 years, a true economic program would make the payout more like 25 years. Ouch!!! But this also depends on where you live, the further North (colder), the faster the payback. My main concern is no one will tell you what gas filled windows save you in dollars (only eff gains). I know with High solar gain Low E and gas filled windows the payout is poor for Oklahoma. I did still get the Low E windows w/o gas. Also, no one can tell you how to know when the gas is gone and you loose any gains.

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