There are a number of advantageous besides an increased R value. For one thing, the windows have less cold draft in the winter. The module frame is extremely well designed for preventing the influx of cold outside area. The same mechanism prevents loss of heated air to the outside. Just as in Winter, the same factors apply in the Summer, and energy to cool the house is reduced. Another advantage of thermopane windows is that the cause a reduction in outside noise entering the house. The extra pain of glass and the higher density of argon over air cause an acoustic dampening effect when noise is transmitted through the window, so it is quieter inside.



Thermopane windows can also come with low E and low UV coatings. This means that in the summer there will be a reduction in the amount of interior ultra violet radiation that causes fading of colors in textiles. It also means that heat generating infrared will be reflected away from the window, resulting in reduced cooling bills in the Summer. A low E coating is especially good for southern windows in hot, sunny climates. The low UV coating is valuable in panels that are used for skylights. Large glass panels such as those used in sliding glass doors, as well as skylights, are usually tempered, but windows usually are not.



All insulated glass panels will fail, given enough time. Failure is noted by fogging on the inside of the glass pains. Try as they might, manufacturers have not developed the perfect seal, and eventually moist air leaks in and replaces some of the argon. Manufacturers put a desiccant into the window, usually inside the metal spacer between the panes of glass. This moisture absorbing material removes water vapor from the air as long as it is not very much. But when the desiccant becomes saturated, the window fails and begins to fog. Quality manufacturers offer lifetime guarantees of 10 and 20 years, so be sure to consider that. Their data suggest a very low failure rate for quality windows.