In the never-ending quest to make our homes more eco-friendly, many of us are looking for ways to reduce energy consumption and increase property values. Smart windows are a great way to do this, as they can help regulate the temperature in your home and cut down on your heating and cooling costs. This post discusses what smart windows are and how they can help you save energy. Keep reading to find out how smart windows can make your home more environmentally friendly.
What Are Smart Windows?
Although smart windows are a relatively new invention, they’re quickly becoming a staple in the sustainable home construction industry.
The average smart window can include various energy-saving features, including:
- Low Emission Glass
- Temperature-regulating particles
- UV Reduction
- Smartphone Compatability
The most significant benefit of smart windows is that they can help regulate the temperature in your home, reducing the need for heating and cooling. You’ll see most of the change in your utility bill. Some research shows that top-of-the-line smart windows are 20 percent more effective at trapping heat and air-conditioning than traditional windows.
On average, smart windows cost 50 percent more than standard glass windows. Most owners find that the savings are enough to recoup to cover the cost of installation within a few years.
What Are the Types of Smart Windows?
The glass for smart windows is usually designed with unique materials that adapt opacity as needed in response to light exposure, interior temperature, and exterior temperature.
There are three different classes of smart glass available:
- Electrochromic
- Thermochromic
- Photochromic
Generally speaking, thermochromic and photochromic will apply or remove tinting in response to changes in light levels and exterior temperatures. These types of smart glass are generally the most affordable, but they don’t offer as much user control and customization.
Electrochromic smart glass windows are the most technologically advanced option. They can connect to smart device apps via WiFi and Bluetooth to give property owners hands-on control over window conditions.
Electrochromic glass is a great choice for eco-minded homeowners because it doesn’t require much electricity to operate, and they have an estimated lifetime of 50 years or more.
Low Emission Glass
Low emission (low-E) glass coatings function as a critical contributor to the energy efficiency of smart glass.
Low-E glass coatings are a thin, invisible layer of metal oxide on the surface of the glass. This special coating protects your home by limiting the amount of UV energy and infrared light that can get through your windows, each of which has several environmental advantages.
Reducing your home’s UV exposure upholds the cosmetic and functional qualities of your furniture, walls, flooring, and decor. While extending the lifespan of your furniture doesn’t reduce your climate control expenses, it does save you money and reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the need to prematurely replace furnishings.
Infrared blocking provides the most notable savings for smart glass with Low-E coatings. Infrared energy in light is directly related to temperature. Objects with more infrared energy have a higher temperature, whereas objects with less have a lower temperature.
Smart windows paired with Low-E coatings can use a dark tint to reflect infrared energy during warm months and keep your home cooler. During the winter, smart window owners can strategically reduce their tint to increase radiant energy and maintain higher internal temperatures.
Smart Device Window Tint Adjustments
The main energy-saving function of smart windows is their ability to adjust their tint in response to fluctuating light and temperature levels. The automatic window tinting feature is one of the smartest things about this technology.
Base-level smart window models save energy and money, but choosing a higher-end option with smart device controls will allow you to enjoy the best of automatic adjustments and personal customization.
These impressive windows pair with battery-powered remotes or applications on your smart device. You can toggle the settings to adjust window tints for preferred light and temperature preferences.
Once you’ve settled into a routine, you can establish a reoccurring schedule and enjoy your favorite window settings without even thinking about it.
For even more convenience and control, you can add window-tinting commands to smart home hubs like Alexa, Google Home, and Nest.
App-Controlled Blinds/Curtains
If you’re not ready to fully upgrade your home with a full suite of smart windows, you can get the same effects by adding smart blinds or curtains to rooms in your house.
Smart blinds are hands-free window coverings that can be opened or closed using a remote, tablet, or smartphone.
Like with smart windows, you’ll be able to take advantage of app-based controls and voice commands with these devices. They can also be set on a reoccurring schedule and can be adjusted from anywhere.
Imagine you go out of town for several weeks in the summer, but you forget to close the curtains before you go. With smart curtains, you don’t have to worry about increased sun exposure driving up the A/C while you’re gone. You can simply log in to the app to draw the shades.
Smart Windows Are an Eco-Friendly Update You Can Stick With
The best eco-friendly home upgrades improve your life and help the environment at the same time. Smart windows check both of those boxes by saving you money on your energy bill and allowing you to enjoy the health advantages of sun exposure.
Did you know that increasing the amount of natural light viewed early in the day can improve your mood and help you be more productive? Conversely, limiting bright lights seen in the evening promotes a well-regulated circadian rhythm and higher-quality sleep patterns.
By upgrading to smart windows, you can be confident that you’re making a long-term commitment to your health and the planet’s health.
Make Your Home Brighter With Smart Windows
Smart windows are a great way to make your home more eco-friendly. They’re quickly gaining a reputation as a leading energy-efficient home upgrade, thanks to their ability to regulate light exposure and temperature. Best of all, they allow you to enjoy ample natural light without overwhelming your home’s HVAC. If you’re looking for the best ways to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, check out smart windows today.
Photo by Laura Cleffmann on Unsplash.
