Can I test a insulated window to find out if it is still insulated?

Question

Insulated Glass has a vacuum inside to establish insulation values. is there something that I can use to test if the vacuum is still good?

Answer 1

If there's any "fogging" inside the panes, the seal is broken. The window should not feel either cold to the touch (inside) if it's cold outside, nor warm to the touch if it's hot out.

Answer 2

Unless you damage the window, the seal will remain strong and the gas, which can be argon, krypton, or some other poor thermal conducting glass, will not leak.

So, the best way to tell if the seal is broken is by noticing the edges of the windows during the winter months, since it is easier to see at this time. If condensation forms, then there is a leak in the window. If not, then there isn't.

But, in the end, it isn't this seal that you have to worry about, it is the seal between the movable window and the window seal. This is the point most susceptible to leaks that can increase home heating costs.

But, to answer your question, there is no device that can test the vacuum, if there was one, between the window panes. The only way is by observation.

Answer 3

Actually, insulated glass has argon gas between the panes. If it were a vacuum, the glass would need to be extremely strong (thick and heavy) to support the extreme pressures from both sides that would result from atmospheric pressure.

Usually, if the glass and frame aren't broken, it's still good.

Answer 4

As Hatty said the only way to see if the seal is compromised is by looking for the condensation. This will happen when its cold and humidity is high, the window will get 'foggy' on the inside surface of the glass. If this never happens your window is probably OK. I had this problem in my bathroom and it was annoying

Answer 5

hold a lit candle next to the frame ( carefully)
if the flame moves quite a bit .. the window isnt insulated very well any more