Doors and Windows - Need help with Low-E and Argon gas question

I am in the Midwest, in Illinois to be precise. I am looking around for vinyl replacement windows and I would like to have extra sound proofing if that is possible.

1. Does it make sense to get low-e on all windows or just the ones that the sun hits during the day, ie. East and West?

2. Is it worth the extra cost to also add on argon gas to the low-E? Does the argon gas help in sound proofing?

Thanks.

low-E -- do all of the windows. This is a coating that blocks heat transfer. It works year 'round. During the summer, it reduces thermal gain through the window. During the winter, it reduces heat loss through the window.

Argon -- In Illinois you are in a very cold climate during the winter (days in a row when the temp never gets above freezing). Argon might be a worthwhile consideration for you. But it won't do a thing as far as noise attenuation. But the windows themselves will do a lot for you in that area. Argon, where I live, is simply a waste of money. We get 20 or 30 days a year when the temp drops below freezing at night, but it has been over 10 years since our high temp. for the day was below the freezing mark.

Originally posted by lefty
low-E -- do all of the windows. This is a coating that blocks heat transfer. It works year 'round. During the summer, it reduces thermal gain through the window. During the winter, it reduces heat loss through the window.

Argon -- In Illinois you are in a very cold climate during the winter (days in a row when the temp never gets above freezing). Argon might be a worthwhile consideration for you. But it won't do a thing as far as noise attenuation. But the windows themselves will do a lot for you in that area. Argon, where I live, is simply a waste of money. We get 20 or 30 days a year when the temp drops below freezing at night, but it has been over 10 years since our high temp. for the day was below the freezing mark. Thanks Lefty, from some specs I have seen, such as the Certainteed Devon, the added argon only dropped the U value from 0.40 on a AA size with low-E to 0.37 (low-E & argon). So I really do not know how much is it worth to add argon for a .03 increase in U value. Will I feel the difference, will my bills be lower? I will ask about the argon when I get some estimates.

Don't want to start a war here, but argon, at least in my climate, is a waste of money. In a really cold climate, it may be worth the extra money.

Originally posted by lefty
Don't want to start a war here, but argon, at least in my climate, is a waste of money. In a really cold climate, it may be worth the extra money. No, not trying to start a war, just trying to get an understanding on it. I am afraid if I ask a window installer (ie sales person), he/she would just say yes, it's recommended. So I figured I'd try an independent source. Thanks for your answers, I'm still not sure if I need it but will investigate more into it.

mapson, it's not you that is starting any sort of war here. You are just asking the questions. For me, in the climate I'm in, argon filled windows are a waste of time and money. However, in a COLD climate, they may well be very beneficial.

As far as starting a war, my concern is that someboby will take my comment about argon filled windows out of context.

Maybe somebody in a cold climate will chime in here over the weekend and give you their take on argon.

Lefty, I will look at the following brands from installers, do you have any opinions regarding them as far as quality?

1. Republic - mid to high quality?

2. Great Lakes Ply Gem - only one or of a few to make insulated frames?

3. Crystal - lower quality, craftsmanship?

4. Simonton - hear about them on the net often and here.

5. Silver Line - supplies the American Craftsman at Home Depot

Thanks!