Krypton Gas Windows

{{Infobox
|title = Krypton Windows
|image        = [[File:Space holder.jpg|215px|alt=Krypton Gas Windows]]
|header5 = Other Names:
|data6 =  Krypton Gas Replacement Windows
|header7 = Description:
|data8   = Windows which have krypton insulating gas pumped into the space between their panes to provide better thermal insulation and energy performance.}}

'''Krypton gas''' is used as an insulating material for multi-pane windows, specifically triple pane windows. Krypton gas is pumped between the panes of a multi-pane window to slow heat transfer and help maintain the home's interior temperature. Krypton gas is a more expensive insulating material than [[Argon Gas Windows|argon gas]] but is more effective than the cheaper argon gas fill in cases where there is a gap of less than ½ inch between the window panes.

== About Krypton Gas ==
Krypton gas is a colorless and odorless inert gas and, as such, presents an effective thermal insulator. In addition to its use as a window insulating agent, it is mixed with argon gas as the fill gas of energy saving fluorescent lamps. Krypton may also be mixed with argon as an insulating agent in thermal window panes. 

== Krypton Gas as an Insulator ==
Reducing the conductance -- movement of heat through a solid material -- is the theory that guides the concept of insulating a glass unit through the inclusion of krypton gas in between panes. Window manufacturers use krypton gas to enhance the thermal barrier that is created by the panes of a multi-pane window, reducing heat transfer.

Historically the space between the panes of a multi-pane windows were filled with dry nitrogen or air and the panes were then sealed into the window sash. The inclusion of double or triple panes provided a measure of insulation did not address the problem of air currents that are present between the two or three panes of the window. These currents carry heat to the top of the unit which leaves cold pools of air at the bottom, increasing heat transfer. 

Krypton gas is a low conductive, slow-moving gas which minimizes the convection currents within the gap and reduces conduction through the glass when it is sealed between the glass panes. Overall, the transfer of heat is reduced when a gas fill is included.  

== Krypton Gas Usage in Windows ==
Window manufacturers began to use krypton gas as a gas fill between multi-pane windows' glass frames in the 1980s. In large amounts krypton gas can cause asphyxiation but the small amount used as a thermal insulating fill between a window's panes will not endanger the home's residents, even if the window breaks. 

Window manufacturers generally use an argon gas fill for replacement window gaps of ½ inch or more, and a krypton gas fill for window gaps of ½ inch or less. The optimum gap width for utilizing krypton gas is 3/8 inch.  In addition to its application in a triple pane window, krypton gas fill is often employed in windows which feature a more complicated design.

Argon and krypton gas blends are also employed in some window applications. 

== Effectiveness ==
A home, on average, can lose up to 30% of its heating or cooling energy through its windows. Krypton gas may increase a window's insulating R-Value by half a point or more, and when used with a "superspacer" it becomes even more effective. Industry analysts suggest that the decrease in energy costs offered by a krypton gas fill does not justify, economically, the process of replacing all of the windows in a house. However for homeowners who plan to replace their windows anyway, including krypton, argon or a krypton/argon gas fill will add significantly to the savings that will result from buying thermal insulated windows. 

=== UltraViolet Rays & Infrared Radiation ===
Infrared radiation and ultraviolet ray transmissions are the mechanisms by which heat is transferred into or out of a home. These transmissions can also cause furniture fabrics and wood to fade or discolor. Krypton gas fill does little or nothing to reduce these transmissions. 

== Window Styles ==
Krypton gas fills may be used in any replacement window size or style including traditional sliding, casement or double hung windows, special architectural shaped windows and extremely large windows. Krypton gas may be used with glass of any design or thickness such as laminated glass, privacy glass, colored or tinted glass or glass with a Low-E coating.

== Purchase ==
Homeowners in many countries, including Canada and the United States, can recoup some of the cost of buying replacement krypton-filled windows through rebates and tax credits as part of their government's efforts to reduce energy consumption.

[[Category:Replacement Windows]]