Hi!  I have a question for you all.  When we began researching windows for our house, we decided to have argon-filled, low-e windows.  We told our builder this; he purchased the windows, and they were installed this past week.  Now, though, my husband is having buyer's remorse; he read some data that said that argon-filled windows were not very useful in hot climates (we're building in Florida).  Any thoughts/opinions on this?

Thank you!
Heather W
Our ICF Home Construction Journal

Probably would have suggested not bothering with the the aargon filled as I don't believe the gas can be warranteed and contained long term. Low e.,thermal, tinted or not, and impact resistent is for my money the way to go for FL building and code satisfaction. We are west coast FL and have high velocity zones. But its a little late as your windows are in and hindsight can be 20/20. GR

What does this kitchen countertop page have to do with argon-filled windows?

FlaICF, I figured as much; as you said, hindsight is 20/20.  Oh, well - thank you for the input!

Heather W
Our ICF Home Construction Journal

We put low-e /argon filled as a standard in all our homes, I can tell you from experience that they are great in sumer and winter ( for Florida the low-e should be soft coat)

Heather,

If your windows are have a higher insulating value(lower U-value) because of the low e, and argon fill, then they will insulate--that is, reduce heat transfer- regardless if the heat is on the inside(as in a winter setting) or fi the heat is on the outside as in FLA.

Insulation is meant to reduce the amount of heat that passes from the hotter area to the cooler area, so there is no reason for you to think that your windows are not very useful in your hot climate. It is quite possible for you to have bought windows that are BETTER suited to your needs, but yours are probably doing a pretty good job for you.

Dave

Argon enhances the U-Value of the window in any climate and it will improve the perfomance of the window.  The most critical factor to design for in the deep south is SHGC.  In Florida, you should put in windows that have a SHGC of .40 or less, (less is even better).  This is fully explained on the Energy Star website.  See also the Efficient Window Collaborative.


In Northern Climates, the factors change.  It is best to see if the particular window you are purchasing is Energy Star Qualified for your particular location. Your selection of Argon, low-e windows should help you save up to 20% on your electric bill in  Florida.

In Florida, impact rated windows may be required and would certainly be recommended (to reduce you insurance rate and protect against break-in) but not necessarily.  For more info on this see BiltBest custom windows.

Other organizations that explain and rate windows are:

WDMA
NFRC

It is probable that in the next few years, windows such as what you purchased will be mandated by code, so tell your husband to relax and use the savings on yor energy bill to buy a bass boat.

Randy