Manufacturers have been using different gases between the panes of windows for decades now as a way to improve energy efficiency. The most common gas used is argon, but recently krypton has become a popular alternative. Krypton, an odorless and clear noble gas, is a more efficient insulator than argon, but does that mean krypton-filled windows are the right choice?
We’re going to give you all of the information you need to decide whether krypton-filled windows are right for you.
What are krypton-filled windows, and how do they work?
As a homeowner, we’re always trying to find the most energy-efficient home improvements to save on our monthly energy bills. One area you might have looked at is your windows. Are they efficient enough? Plenty of heat is transferred in and out of the windows, so are they doing a good job? Well, there are more options for you as the homeowner.
This is where krypton comes in.
Krypton is an element that is twice as dense as air and is used in high-quality windows. It is injected into the space between the two panes of typical windows, acting as an insulator.
Why not just have air between the panes? Because air is a lousy insulator compared to other materials such as krypton and argon. It’s one of the reasons why some windows feel cold during the winter months and hot during the summer months.
The amount of krypton in your standard double pane window is small – about 1 part per million. That’s how much krypton is naturally occurring in our atmosphere.
So why use it in residential windows?
The benefits of krypton-filled windows.
The most significant benefit of these windows is the energy efficiency they provide. Whether you want to do your part to protect the environment or you’re looking to save some money on your utility bill, krypton-filled windows are a way to do it.
Krypton works its magic by reducing conduction and convection six times compared to the typical single-pane window glass. This keeps your home at a stable temperature and prevents your HVAC units from having to work harder to keep your home warmer or cooler – depending on the time of year. When your furnace and air conditioner work less, you use less energy (electric or gas), and you save.
Compared to other chemicals commonly found within windows, such as xenon and argon, krypton does the best at insulating.
Despite these advantages, there are some downsides to this revolutionary gas.
Disadvantages of having krypton-filled windows in your home.
While we can certainly go on and on about the benefits of krypton, it’s only fair if we highlight some of the disadvantages.
The most significant disadvantage is the cost associated with these types of windows. They’re substantially more expensive. From our experience, the price tends to be around 30-40% more per window compared to argon-filled windows.
But why the extra costs? It all has to do with supply and demand. Since krypton is much more scarce than argon, it’s harder to extract and therefore more expensive. The additional costs to manufacture these windows are then passed onto the homeowner.
Another disadvantage to krypton is that it’s generally used in narrower spaces and therefore found in only triple-pane windows. That limits most of your options when choosing which windows are best for you. This is also why you will typically find argon between the panes on double-paned windows and why argon is much more popular.
How to decide if these windows are the right choice for your home.
After seeing the benefits and drawbacks of krypton-filled windows, you might still be on the fence if they’re for you. Is the cost worth the energy savings?
In general, no, you won’t recoup your costs in energy savings from these windows. They’re extremely energy efficient, but the prices are too high for a reasonable return on your investment. It will take decades to recoup the costs of these windows. If you’re looking for windows that will pay for themselves in a much shorter time, then argon-filled windows are your best bet.
However, the environmental impact may be your deciding factor. If that’s the case, then these windows are perfect for you. Your home or office will be making more of an environmental impact than if you used argon or air-filled windows. It will be much more energy-efficient than anything else, and your utility bills will be lower, just not low enough to pay for the windows over a reasonable amount of time.
Final thoughts on krypton-filled windows.
Krypton-filled windows are an innovative new technology that can help you conserve energy and keep your home at a stable temperature.
However, they’re not for everyone. If you want to save money on utility bills or be environmentally conscious, these windows may be the right choice for you. But if saving money is your primary goal – especially in this economy – then it’s best to choose another window type such as argon-filled windows, which will pay themselves off much quicker than krypton-filled ones will.
If you still have questions about which type of windows are best for your home, or you’re looking for a quick window estimate, our experts would love to help you out! Give us a call anytime.