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High-altitude windows: argon-filled or air-filled?
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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?
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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...
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