Is it a worth the extra cost to buy windows filled with argon gas?

As homeowners become more knowledgeable about products before they purchase them, many have detailed questions about product features and functionalities. This is especially true with windows, which can have a big impact on a homeowner’s gas and electricity costs. Here are frequently asked questions — and answers — to help educate yourself on energy-efficient and gas-filled windows. 

Benefits of Argon Gas Windows 
Argon is the gas most often used between panes in a double- or triple-glazed window. The gas is colorless and odorless, says Bill Lingnell, head of Lingnell Consulting Services in Rockwall, Texas, an independent consultant who works with the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA). Argon is denser than the atmosphere, providing more thermal efficiency than having air between the panes, he explains. 

Other Types of Gases  
Krypton gas is denser than argon, and xenon gas is denser than krypton, providing somewhat more thermal efficiency. Some manufacturers also may offer a mixture of two gases. But the incremental benefit of these higher densities doesn’t necessarily justify their prices, says Carroll Bogard, manager of Trade Segment Marketing for Pella Windows in Pella, Iowa. “Dollar for dollar, argon gas does the best job,” he says. 

What Do Filled Windows Offer? 
Added energy efficiency is the key benefit to having gas-filled windows, Bogard says. The gas acts as an insulator, working in both summer and winter to keep interiors protected from outside temperatures. Typically, gas infusion is provided in conjunction with applying a low-emissivity (low-E) coating film to the glass panes, he notes. The other key advantage is making people’s homes more comfortable, Bogard says. The low-E coating and gas keep the interior pane of glass closer to the temperatures of the interior air, minimizing air currents that are created when different temperatures come into contact. This reduces drafts and cold spots. He stresses that proper installation is absolutely essential, and contractors should be trained in proper installation techniques and/or use experienced installers. 

Is the Gas Harmful if It Leaks? 
No. The gases are inert (nonreactive) and occur naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere. Argon, the most common, comprises about 2 percent of the air we breathe, Lingnell says. “It can’t hurt you or make you ill if it leaks,” he says. 

How Do I Know the Gas Is There? 
Scientific detectors can verify the presence of gas, Lingnell says. But homeowners usually rely on their contractor and the manufacturers’ reputation. 

What if the Gas Leaks Out Over Time?
“Reputable companies have their windows certified against seal failures to ensure that won’t happen,” Lingnell says. Members of IGMA use standards created by ASTM International to certify against leakage. “The major window companies certify their windows, but many smaller ones do not,” he warns. “Contractors should look for certification to reassure their customers.” Even if a small amount of gas does leak, it won’t hurt the window’s performance, says John Swanson, editor of Window & Door magazine, which is published by the National Glass Association (NGA). “Studies show that even if 80 percent of the gas remains, it will still maintain its effectiveness,” he says. “So, even if 1 percent was leaking out per year, the window would still be effective in 20 years.” Should the window lose all of its gas, Lingnell adds, it might be noticeable due to condensation on the windowpane or fog inside the pane. 

How Much Do Gas-Filled Windows Cost?  
Determining the incremental price of gas filling and its resulting payback or return on investment depends on many variables, including the size of the window, materials used, glazing options, location and climate conditions, Bogard says. Some companies provide an upgrade package that includes both low-E coating and argon gas, Swanson says. The value of the added comfort that can be gained by eliminated drafts can’t be summed up in a strict payback cost either, he adds. 

Is Gas Filling a Popular Option Today? 
“It’s a technology that has been around a long time, and it’s become popular because energy codes are more stringent,” Swanson says. Most codes are designed as performance standards, meaning they set a standard that must be met and allow the manufacturer to meet it however works best. Many find the best way to do that is with gas-filled windows. “Consumers are becoming more educated about this option and are asking about it,” he adds.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road

Gloucester

Gloucestershire

GL1 5AJ

01452 526028

www.candlwindows.co.uk

Triple glazing divides opinion

A new poll has found that going into 2015, installers continue to be split as to the impact triple-glazing will have on the window industry but remain optimistic as to continuing growth.

“The industry has perhaps ‘sobered’ up a little in 2014. Confidence in continued growth is still high at 67 per cent, however, it’s significantly down on 2013. This may be explained by the fact that that initial release latent demand post-recession with the return of consumer confidence has been and gone.

“This shouldn't, however, be seen as cause for alarm. The possible slowdown in the rate of growth experienced by some installers in 2014 compared to the immediate post-recession recovery in 2013, is indicative of a return to normality. The industry continues to see growth but growth at a sustainable level.”

But if there was general agreement amongst respondents as to general prospects of continuing growth in 2015, they were divided as to the contribution triple-glazing would make to that growth. 

Of those polled, 92 per cent said triple-glazing sales had accounted for less than five per cent of their turnover in 2014. Seven per cent said that it had made up five to 10 per cent of sales, while only three per cent said that it had accounted for a tenth or more of their turnover. 

This carried through to installers’ analysis of future triple-glazed sales with 67 per cent of respondents predicting that they would never exceed those of double-glazed products. 

Of those that thought that it would, 13 per cent said that they expected it to do so within two to three years, while 19 per cent of respondents gave a longer four to five year time frame. 

Crewdson said: “The adage is that you should never say never. What is clear is that the take-up of triple-glazed products in 2014 has been minimal for most installers. This suggests that the increased cost of triple-glazing compared to double-glazing continues to suppress sales.” 

The poll suggested that whatever misgivings installers and end-users might have about triple-glazing, energy efficiency remained a primary driver for home improvements. 

When asked if they agreed with the statement that ‘energy efficiency was the primary driver for new door and window purchases’ more than half of installers ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’. A further 30 per cent disagreed, while just under 10 per cent were undecided. 

Asked if ‘price was the most important factor in selecting a supplier’ 56 per cent agreed yet conversely, when asked 40 per cent of installers said that homeowners were prepared to ‘pay more for quality and service’. 

This was also identified as an area of opportunity for those responding to the study with energy efficiency ranked as the single most important factor in driving retail sales. This was followed by security, quality and only then cost.

When asked if they discounted regularly as part of their sales strategy, 34 per cent of respondents said that they did, 23 per cent said that they did so rarely and 43 per cent said that they didn’t discount. 

“Pricing remains a challenge for many installers”, continued Crewdson. “Our own experience through our retail business T&K, suggests that limited discounting as part of a sales strategy can be effective in bringing in new business. 

“What we see too often at an industry level is installers who either don’t discount at all, or those who do get wound up in a race to the bottom with their competitors. Homeowners are prepared to pay for quality and service but in our experience, they also want a deal.” 

Emplas uses its Installer Partnership as the platform through which to share the experience it gains through T&K with its customer base. Launched in summer 2014, it offers qualifying installers access to new levels of support including dedicated lead generation and sales support – something which helped it scoop the Customer Service Award at November’s G14 Awards. 

Other benefits include free website, search engine optimisation and copywriting, plus dedicated marketing collateral including their own-branded protective tape retail brochures and point of sale material. This is in addition to 24/7 online ordering and one of the industry’s most comprehensive product ranges. 

When asked to rank which products they believed would be the primary drivers of growth in 2015, respondents to the Emplas poll listed foils and better aesthetics and composite doors as joint-top, followed by conservatory/orangery hybrid products. 

Asked which products they expected to see an increase in sales in 2015, composite doors and foils again polled highest cited by 75 and 80 per cent of respondents respectively. Conservatories were cited by 38 per cent of respondents, comparing favourably to conservatory/orangery hybrids forecast to see growth by 33 per cent of respondents. 

Bi-fold doors were forecast to see increased sales by 47 per cent of those surveyed. This compares to patio/inline sliding doors at 54 per cent. “This isn’t entirely unexpected”, continued Crewdson. “We’re seeing recovery in new build, where inline sliding doors retain popularity because of their price point and because they’re easier to fit. In retail, bi-folds continue to have huge appeal but the price-point remains a barrier.”

Crewdson concluded by emphasising the importance of sustainable growth in 2015. He said: “We didn’t see the very rapid growth which we experienced in 2013 in 2014 but we saw sustained and sustainable growth. We expect to this to set the tone for 2015 with sustainable growth in the housing market and with it continuing consumer confidence.” 

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road

Gloucester

Gloucestershire

GL1 5AJ

01452 526028

www.candlwindows.co.uk

Best double glazing companies: How to buy double glazing

Double glazing salespeople often have a dubious reputation - but the extent to which this is fair varies hugely.

How to get double glazing quotes - and sidestep sales tactics

When you're buying double glazing, it's important to get quotes from more than one company (aim for three) and not to sign a contract on the spot.

We've found that window salespeople frequently quote a higher price to begin with, which they drop over the course of their sales visit. The price you're quoted could drop by 75%, or over £10,000, during a sales pitch. Be wary of a company using these sorts of tactics, or anyone who asks for a large deposit upfront.

In order to get the most directly comparable quotes, make sure each company gives you prices for exactly the same products and materials. Compare the costs of what is included as standard and what is priced up separately as an optional upgrade or extra. Don't rush your decision; take time to look at the details and make a fully informed choice.

Double glazing quotes: top tips from installers

'Do your research: having a good idea of your requirements before getting a quotation gives you a much more tailored price first time around.'

'Choose a local business in your area - someone you can visit face-to-face and build a relationship with. Local businesses are more conscious of the need to uphold their reputation and, if problems arise, are more likely to resolve the matter quickly.'

Don’t use a company that only supplies a mobile phone number and not a landline. Only having a mobile number indicates that they don’t have a sound base - they must have staff on hand to handle any problems from day one

Ask to see examples of recent installations near your home

'Have as many windows as possible replaced at the same time as this should reduce the cost.

Double glazing prices

Double glazing can cost very different amounts depending on whether you use a local or national company, how many windows you're getting installed, the type of window and type of frame. 

Find a reputable double glazing company

Our double glazing company reviews will tell you how major national brands compare to independent installers in areas such as value for money, the quotation process, and of course the quality of the windows. We'd recommend using a company that's been around for 10 years or more.

If you decide to use an independent local company, be sure to ask friends and family for their recommendations. 

Competent person schemes: Fensa, BM Trada and Certass

It's a good idea to choose a double glazing installer that is registered with Fensa, BM Trada or Certass. Membership of competent person schemes such as these means that companies can self-certify that their work complies with building regulations.

In England and Wales, new and replacement windows must meet a certain level of energy efficiency, and you need to get a certificate to show that your windows comply with these regulations. An installer registered with one of the self-certification schemes will issue this certificate for you - otherwise your council will need to come and check the work.

For the Channel Islands, Northern Ireland and Scotland, contact your local authority for information on applicable regulations for windows.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd;
48, Stroud Road
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL1 5AJ
www.candlwindows.co.uk

01452 526028