I'm looking into replacing some windows at my cabin up in the mountains, and I'm getting mixed advice. Some folks say argon-filled windows are better for insulation, but others tell me at high altitudes regular air-filled ones are safer and less likely to leak. Anyone have experience with this?
I've had similar questions myself when we replaced windows at our place around 7,500 ft. After some digging and talking to neighbors, here's what I found:
- Argon-filled windows definitely insulate better at lower elevations, but at higher altitudes, the pressure difference can cause leaks or even break the seals over time.
- A friend nearby installed argon-filled windows a few years ago, and he's already noticed condensation forming inside the panes... not ideal.
- Regular air-filled double-pane windows might not have quite the insulation value, but they're less prone to seal failure in mountain conditions.
- Some manufacturers offer special high-altitude argon-filled windows designed to handle pressure changes—might be worth checking out if insulation is a priority.
Personally, I went with regular air-filled ones. Slightly less efficient maybe, but they've held up great so far. Curious if anyone else has had different experiences though...