Low-E and Argon Windows | Does It Help?

[@S0L0kid15]

thanks for explaining argon gas for me 6:16

[@o2FAST4Uo]

My climate Ontario Canada..... ideally we would do regular 180 on N,E,S walls and 272 on West.... I try never to do 366 because it has so much of a tint to it, the way i explain that to people is have you ever seen the blue windows on a car dealer, thats 366.... but canada... we only cool our house for 1 month out of the year and heat for 8+, so Argon is our friend and 1 coating of LowE so we don't fade our floors is ideal.

[@stevekettel188]

Hi Geoff, really interesting video. I wish you’d put the “just argon” window in front of the bulb though! I really want to stop heat entering through our large picture window, but want zero colour change / tint, and would have been interested to see how much heat transfer the argon window prevents without low e?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

The spectrometer will not read the benefits of argon. It uses light to do its measurements, we will not measure gas.

[@k303b4]

I had a window company make a distinction about HOW MUCH argon gas a window contained, saying that companies will tell you their windows contain it but it's only at, say, 60% as opposed to theirs, which is at 90%. Can you please speak to this? Is this a factor to consider?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

It's a sales gimmick! I don't think there are any Windows made that don't have 90% or more argon gas. It's like claiming that your car comes with more oil in the engine than some other car in the same price point. I hope you people will get hung up on a small detail and overspend on the windows that they buy. If the glass is made by Cardinal at the Cardinal Glass factory, it's going to be the same in any window you buy. It sounds like you talked with Renewal by Andersen.

[@jacobclark89]

I thought argon was to stop condensation. Something that makes no sense to me is argon is more dense than air that makes it more conductive to heat not less , why do all these people that its a better insulator 🤔?? Think of a thermos it blocks heat transfer because it's a vacuum and if the vacuum fails the thermos doesn't work any more because of the air inside conducts the heat.

[@raymondergarcia]

I may have missed this, but how does argo gas affect the light dissipation?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

It does not affect the light transmission whatsoever. It helps reduce radiant heat and cold. It also helps to reduce sound and it lowers condensation ratings.

[@Larry-dq8tk]

My home has large slider windows...6'x5', and 5'x5'. Have you done a presentation for anlin del mar E sliders and picture windows?

[@Psalm-yg6yi]

Is argon healthy to breathe? Higher levels can cause nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, coma and death. No occupational exposure limits have been established for Argon. However, it may pose a health risk.

[@lindakheshiboun1623]

Hi Geoff! Can you recommend an impact window contractor that uses ES Elite windows in the Wellington FL area 33414 with decent prices and good workmanship? The quotes I’ve gotten so far are ridiculous! Thank you!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

I don't know anybody selling the ES windows in your area. Sorry.

[@skitzoid99]

Jeff, thanks for all the incredible info! I live in Ohio, and am leaning toward lowE 180 (passive sun) to maximize the warmth from the sun in winter. I'm technically in a northern climate but it can get pretty hot in summer sometimes. I prefer to have the windows open as much as possible and only turn the AC on if absolutely necessary. So, if I understand correctly, the 180 glass won't help me in a scenario of a hot day, using AC...but my question is, will it hurt me? Will it make it worse running the AC than now with my super old single panes? I just love the idea of as much light as possible and that warm winter sun, but I don't want to bake if I have to close up the house in the summer. Thank you so much, the info you share is invaluable!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

That's a fine line to walk... I'd probably go with Low-e 2.

[@skitzoid99]

Thanks!

[@dobreim]

Argon gas is 1.454 times heavier then air, thanks for your info!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Yikes! I got that wrong.

[@russellmoore963]

The other problem with gas is that it expands when it goes to higher sea levels and contracts at lower sea levels , you can't get it put in a window unless it stays the same elevation . This is why windows are sent with breather tubes in the ig units . You can put the gas in at the job site . If you did have gas in the window at 1500 feet of sea level and went to 6000 feet, you probably wouldnt be able to open it ,the locking jamb would most likely hit the glass because it expanded like a bag of chips . On the other hand if you put gas in at 6000 and went to 1500 feet of sea level the glass would suck itself in and concave and some even touch in the middle .

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. You do make a fair point, but I've never seen one expand to the point where you could not open the window. Glass would shatter if it swell that much! Mini window companies give you the opportunity to select the elevation where you will be installing the windows. They will fill the argon gas accordingly.

[@x2x_maggie-xoxo853]

Jeff, can you answer this for me? I'm in south Florida and we are doing a new construction. The North side plan has big sliding glass doors. The North doesn't ever get direct sunlight. Would it be okay to do NO low-e coatings? I want the most amount of light coming into the house. Or is it still advisable to do low-e? Is there anything less than 270? Thank you!!!!

[@CP-nf9my]

Jeff, we plan to move and are updating our home for sale. We need to have good windows but certainly won't go with the ones we would necessarily want. What would you suggest we look at? We have east and west windows, so they need to be insulated well, have a good U factor and SHGC. We currently have Champion's aluminum custom size windows. Yep, almost anything may be an improvement, but they were beautiful and functional 21 years ago.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Hmmm... in the window industry there are junk and great windows. There's no middle class windows. I'd do nothing and lower the price of the home or do it right and sell for more money.

[@CP-nf9my]

@@HoustonWindowExperts I meant in the lines you carry. Surely not all your window lines cost the same. He won't answer. True colors.

[@lindakheshiboun1623]

Is SB70 a good low E coating for Florida?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Yes and no... It will probably do the trip, but it's not as robust as a package that has three coats of low e would be in a hot climate. The benefit to it, is that you get a lot more light which is important.

[@albundy3929]

Does the argon gas escape window over time?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Yes, but that's ok. It loses about 1% per year.

[@RMac33]

I’m Debating on which glass to put in my Andersen 100 series for my new build in Ohio. Looking at their standard low E (most common) vs the SmartSun. I cannot find much info on the SmartSun as far as what it looks like on a home and if the benefit is there long term. Do you have any experience with that product? Thanks!

[@gregcorwin8316]

Andersen's "standard" LowE is Cardinal's LoE²-272 and SmartSun is Cardinal's LoE³-366.

[@Notch8]

I don't think you would want Smartsun in Ohio. Climate zone 5 I think best combo is the LoE with Heatlock option for our area. That gets a lower U value with the i89 coating on the inside and then a more moderate SHGC so you get some heat from the sun in the winter while keeping a bit higher VT.

[@feisaldaniel]

Question: how would that heat gain protection be used with security laminated glass 10mm?

[@gregcorwin8316]

Depends. If you have monolithic (not an IG unit) laminated glass in your window then the LowE coating could be inside the laminated sandwich, In that application you would get the solar heat blocking characteristic of the coating but not the R value (U factor) improvement that the coating provides in an IG unit. For U factor advantage the coating needs to have an airspace on one side, something not possible inside the lami sandwich, but again the solar gain heat is blocked. If you have an IG unit then the coating would more than likely be on the inside surface of the outside lite, be it the laminated or the non-laminated lite.

[@bykota1966]

My window A/C can't keep up when temp is over 100° and 80° low at night. My house gets up to 85° with the A/C on. I was told that new windows you are talking about would fix that? And I wouldn't then need to get central air? What do you think? My windows are from the 1950s and are not well insulated and we have a big dust problem.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

I'm convinced that new windows would help you greatly!

[@jasinmustajbasic5525]

Hello Jeff, I have a weekend house at 1,000 meters above sea level, winters are strong and summer can be very warm, the front of the weekend is all in portals and it is the southern side of the weekend, and the last part of the weekend is not in portals, has two doors and three windows and no sun. Question of what kind of glass I take, where is the south side of three glass lowe E and where is the north side of 2 glass low E?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Based on what you're telling me, I would suggest going with two coats of low E on the entire house. You might want to check with someone locally to get the best solution. But that's where I would start. I started a website to help people locate a great window company near them. We may have someone in your area. Please visit TheWindowExperts.com

[@NoName-fw8ts]

I was watching one of your other videoa and you said that one may be overwhelmed with all these windows and options and you were spot on. I am at my last. I have 2 more window people to see and so far im down to the Atrium RB (reliabilt series 3909) from lowes. Does anyone have experience with theae windows and can you pleade give me yiur opinion of them?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

That's not a very good window. I would rather not replace my windows at all then to put that in my house. It's definitely a builder grade product. You should find someone locally that can provide you a high quality product that you're going to enjoy for many years to come. I started a website to help people locate a great window company near them. We may have someone in your area. Please visit TheWindowExperts.com

[@NoName-fw8ts]

@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you. I'm in SC and it seems like everyone says theirs are the best and you have to drive 45min to 2hrs just to see a display of what you may purchase. I am so thankful to you and I will not make that mistake with those windows.

[@Frank-sy3li]

What do you think of Vanguard windows?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

I'm not familiar with that brand. Sorry

[@dominicklandolfi8048]

Hello Jeff, I live on the east coast of Central Florida (Melbourne - Directly east of Orlando). I am in the process of researching replacement windows for my 20 year old house as my current windows are contractor grade single pane aluminum. What is your professional opinion of ViWin Tech Windows? My non expert/professional take away from researching reviews, videos, brochures, etc. is they are a quality window at a reasonable price point. They utilize Cardinal Glass and are shipped with the Low 3E-66 rating to meet code in our area. As mentioned this is a non-expert conclusion...I highly value your input. Thanks!

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Everything you are describing to me sounds great. Unfortunately, I do not have any knowledge of that particular brand of window. I think it would be good for you to get some other window comparisons so you can make sure you know what you're looking at before jumping in to this project. Remember, the most important ingredient in a successful window project is going to be the installation. If this company does a terrific job of installing your windows, you are probably never have any issues. By the way, I may know someone near you that does this kind of work. I started a website to help people locate a great window company near them. We may have someone in your area. Please visit TheWindowExperts.com

[@dominicklandolfi8048]

@@HoustonWindowExperts Thank you for the response. I submitted a request on your web site.

[@netuser258]

@houstonwindowexperts - Jeff what is your selection criteria for recommending other window companies that are outside your area? What vetting process is done and how is it updated to make sure the recommended window company is still on your list?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Great question! I will make a video detailing this process. Many of the dealers are people I know personally and have spent considerable time with. Others I met through a recommendation from a mutual friend. We follow up with our viewers to get their feedback, and in the end, that's the real test of the quality of our dealers. We've never had to remove any dealers from our network. They are all truly great at what they do.

[@netuser258]

@@HoustonWindowExperts Would definitely like to see a video on your vetting process. The one you recommended sells Simonton windows, which I haven't seen on your videos. Any thoughts on this?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

You should check them out. They can be good

[@netuser258]

@@HoustonWindowExperts I had them come out for a consultation. I do like that they have lifetime warranty for parts and labor. However, reviews for Simonton windows are bad. Also I've seen other videos where in the comments section people have asked about this brand and you usually choose to say to pick something else.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

I'm definitely not a big fan of Simonton windows. I did sell thousands of them when it was all I could get. If you can find some of the other brands I describe in your market, you should look into those as well.

[@andybarrentine6382]

Do you know anyone around Macon Georgia could help us with windows

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Thanks for watching my videos and for your question. We operate in Houston and the Dallas/Ft Worth area. However, we have great relationships with so many wonderful window dealers all over the. Country. I started a website where you can see if we have a trusted window company in your area. Perhaps I can point you in the right direction? Check out TheWindowExperts.com for a dealer near you! All the best! Jeff

[@thenuthing8258]

Hello, does altitude matter with argon filled windows?

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

You need to have the argon installed at a high altitude if you're going to install the windows at a high altitude. Otherwise, you probably shouldn't add argon. Instead, you would order your windows with a breathing tube.

[@HoustonWindowExperts]

Argon helps in any condition or elevation. The issue can be getting it at high altitudes. If the windows is manufactured in lower altitudes, it will cause the glass to contract due to the sealed glass units. That is why a lot of people will not put argon in a window that goes to a high elevation. Instead, they will insert a breathing tube to allow the glass to pressurize to the existing elevation.

[@TripleZme]

Can anyone share more info on i89 coatings? Is it worth it. Live in Southern Ontario Canada environment. Thanks

[@gregcorwin8316]

Adding I89 on glass surface 4 lowers (improves) the U-factor by reflecting radiant heat back into the room; radiant heat that would otherwise be lost to the outdoors absent the surface 4 coating. The side effect of reflecting that heat back into the room is glass that is colder than it would be without the surface 4 coating, resulting in lower window condensation resistance. Although when used in conjunction with a standard LoE coating between the lites (180, 270, 366) plus argon fill, the coated glass will still be warmer than when using uncoated glass, but in a very cold climate the glass might get cold enough for window condensation to form on cold days unless the humidity level home is carefully controlled.

[@TripleZme]

@@gregcorwin8316 thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I appreciate the explanation. I live in a climate where you do get some really cold days but also some really hot summer days. Wondering what would be the best coating type for my environment.

[@gregcorwin8316]

@@TripleZme I would opt for a dual silver (two coat) coating in your environment for best balance during all season conditions.

[@TripleZme]

@@gregcorwin8316 Thanks. Assuming that would be the LoE 272 yes? Really appreciate the advice and the education. BTW, in Toronto today its 92F in the shade :)

[@gregcorwin8316]

@@TripleZme LoE-272 is a dual silver coating, but so is LoE-270 that Jeff discussed in the video. Both 270 and 272 come from Cardinal. Although Cardinal supplies the most residential coated glass by far, not all window companies use Cardinal and might offer a coating from another source. There are also dual silver coatings from other LowE glass suppliers such as SB60 (among others) from Vitro and a couple of SunGuard coatings from Guardian. What LowE glass used depending on who is making the windows. I don't envy your current temps. Where I live 92F is stifling hot and miserable. Where Jeff lives I suspect that it's a refreshing spring day! All about context. 😉

[@jfox11000]

My assumption is that if you are from northern Michigan or Minnesota go with no argon gas and no e coating so your house can get in heat from the sun and not have it blocked out , not to mention tinted windows in a cold state with no sunlight sounds pretty dumb

[@gregcorwin8316]

Your assumption is incorrect. LowE coatings come in high solar gain, moderate solar gain, and low solar gain varieties. If you want to take advantage of free solar heat then you want a high solar gain on your south facing glass, WITH argon between the lites. The difference in U factor performance between the types of coatings is minimal, but the high solar heat coating has slightly less insulting performance than a low solar gain product. That's simple physics. Argon does not block solar gain, but it does slow convection currents within the confines of the IG airspace which helps to slow heat loss through the window. Without a LowE coating and argon, no matter how much "free" solar heat you bring in with clear glass, you will lose much more than that when the sun isn't shining directly on the windows. And NEVER put a high solar heat gain coating on windows facing west, the rooms with that coating will be like an oven any time the sun shines on the windows, even on moderately cold days.

[@TripleZme]

@@gregcorwin8316 just to clarify, lo-e180 would provide higher solar heat gain and 366 the lowest solar heat gain, is that correct?

[@gregcorwin8316]

@@TripleZme That is correct. Technically there are other coating variations that block even more solar heat gain than 366, but those would be considered more of specialty product.

[@Solar-Busters]

WRONG ! I film LowE Surface 2 366 windows all the time with a dual reflective film because ​the solar & infrared heat absorption of LowE glass is brutally hot especially in Alabama ! Just got through doing a really nice lake home & my film dropped the temps 10 degrees throughout the house

[@gregcorwin8316]

@@Solar-Busters what are you claiming is wrong?