Argon
Argon (Ar) is an inert gas of the noble gases (group 18). It is colourless, odourless and inert to other substances. It makes up 0.94% of the Earth’s atmosphere, the third most abundant atmospheric gas, with levels increasing gradually because radioactive potassium-40 turns into argon as it decays. Argon is 1.38 times heavier than air and can be obtained through the distillation of liquid air.
It has a number of uses but is well know as an infill gas for double glazed units, where because of its density it improves thermal performance. It is generally accepted that the argon will normally leak from the unit at a rate of 1% each year, or more if the seals degrade or break.
Other uses of argon include the production of titanium and other reactive elements as it creates an inert environment preventing oxidisation and potential corrosion. Fluorescent tubes and low-energy bulbs also make use of argon with an electric discharge passing through the gas, generating UV light, the bulbs coating on the inside is activated by UV light and glows brightly.
It was unwittingly isolated in the late 1700's and mistaken for unreactive air but wasn't fully discovered until the late 1800's when Lord Rayleigh and William Ramsay separated it from liquid air. Today Germany is the lead exporter of Argon, followed by Belgium, the Netherlands and China. The manufacture and use of argon creates minimal health risks, although an asphyxiant only in large volumes when it might become hazardous. The gas dissipates into the air under normal conditions and is not harmful to plant, animal or aquatic life.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Carbon monoxide requirement J3.
- Gas Safe.
- Health and Safety.
- BFRC window rating scheme.
- Conservation rooflights.
- Domestic windows.
- Double glazing.
- Double glazing v triple glazing.
- Extra-low voltage lamps.
- Illuminance.
- Glass.
- Glass mullion system.
- Glazier.
- Low-E glass.
- Lamp efficacy.
- Light fitting.
- Lighting and energy efficiency.
- Lighting energy numeric indicator LENI.
- Luminaire efficacy.
- Luminous flux.
- Power factor.
- R-value.
- Secondary glazing.
- Suction lifter.
- Triple glazing.
- Types of lighting.
- Types of lamp.
- Types of window.
- Window.
- Window frame.
Featured articles and news
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
ECA launches Welsh Election Manifesto
ECA calls on political parties at 100 day milestone to the Senedd elections.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.