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The gases used in window panels have something in common; scientifically speaking, these gases are chemically inert. To put it in simple terms, they're among the most stable elements that can be found on Earth. Argon and krypton, two widely used gases for insulating windows in Fredericksburg, are some examples of noble gases. Consult the periodic table and locate the noble gases; they're the group on the far right side. The group consists of six noble gases, but only four are used in filling window panels: neon, argon, krypton, and xenon. Helium isn't as effective an insulator as the other four, while radon is out of the question due to its radioactivity. The gas fills may contain either one noble gas or a mixture of noble and non-noble gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen, as well as two or more noble gases. Why are these gases given the task of keeping heat in and out when needed? Noble gases have a poor ability to conduct heat, which only grows even poorer the more gas is inside. Just a 4.5-mm gap full of argon or a 2.5-mm gap full of xenon can provide as much insulation as fiber insulation 14.5 mm thick. Compared to argon, it's clear that xenon is better at providing insulation, so why isn't xenon the primary gas used for the job? The problem is abundance; argon is the most abundant noble gas in the air at 0.93 percent (also the third most abundant gas in the air). As supply works with product prices, the more abundant gas is the more affordable one. To help balance performance and price, window manufacturers often take several noble gases and fill them in the panels. Some of the most common gas mixtures include krypton, argon, oxygen, xenon, and nitrogen. Manufacturers can use a smaller amount of the more expensive gases for a low-cost window, while using the more abundant gases to help keep performance up. While the gases leak from the window at around one percent a year, this would hardly affect the insulation performance. You can check out NACHI.org for more information about gas fills in windows and why they're a vital part of any insulation system. Ask a reputable general contractor in Fredericksburg, VA if they offer gas-filled windows.
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