What is In Between my Multi-Paned Windows?

All over the country we have multi-paned windows in our houses now. Most of these windows are double-paned, but can even be triple-paned. They are a better quality than the old windows we used to use in our houses and they do a better job of keeping our houses the temperature we want them to be.Did you know that there is not just dead space in between those panes, but multiple devices in there to enhance the window’s look and energy efficiency?

Desiccant in Multi-Paned Windows

We have talked a little about desiccant before in previous blogs (See “Fog Belongs in San Francisco, Not in Your Windows”). Desiccant in located between the window panes to absorb the moisture that develops in that space. Without the desiccant, your windows would be foggy; which is what you see when the desiccant gets old and is no longer absorbing.

Multi-Paned Windows and Their Spacers

Inside the window space along the edges are the metal spacers that keep each window pane separate from each other. Most spaces are made from aluminum because it is an inexpensive material to use and it does the job it is intended to do.At Renewal by Andersen, we use a stainless steel spacer that that resists heat transfer better than the aluminum spacers do. Keeping the heat where it belongs, whether that means on the outside in the summer or the inside in the winter. This type of spacer can increase the energy efficiency of your multi-paned window by 5%, just by keeping the heat from moving.The type of spacer used will determine the life of the multi-paned window. Spacers that inhibit the transfer of heat not only can increase the life of a window, it can also decrease winter condensation commonly found around the outside edge of your windows in the wintertime.

Gases Swirling Between Multi-Paned Windows

In energy efficient multi-paned windows a gas is injected in between the panes to increase the energy efficiency. With double-paned windows, Argon gas is used. The Argon is a naturally occurring gas and is safe to have in your home, if your window should ever break. In triple-paned windows a mixture of Krypton and Argon is injected in between the panes of glass.These gases are used between the panes to further inhibit the transfer of heat or cold from traveling through the window. Just by using these gases to fill the empty space in multi-paned windows can increase the energy efficiency of the window by around 6%.To learn more about multi-paned options, schedule a free in-home consultation today.