What are Smart Windows
Feb 18, 2022By definition, Windows, the essential element of any building, are responsible for connecting the building’s interior with its external environment. If we talk about function, they control the amount of light and heat that enters the building and acts as a source of natural ventilation. The advent of high-rise structures and skyscrapers have introduced the concept of glass windows in the modern cityscape. Although these have revolutionized the concept of windows and building facades, glass windows are one of the major contributors to building energy waste. To solve this problem, researchers introduced the concept of Smart Windows Technology. But what exactly are Smart Windows? To give you a short answer, Smart Home Windows optimize your heat gain and heat loss by adjusting your Window Shades according to the movement of the sun to minimize HVAC cost and energy consumption.
That’s not all, of course. According to research, Smart Windows technology can reduce the energy consumption of a building by 40%. Apart from this, they promote luxury, comfort, and sustainability. This article gives you complete detail of what are Smart Windows and why they are the new innovation in the Modern World.
WHAT ARE SMART WINDOWS?
Smart Windows mean the use of technology to reduce sun glazing while adjusting natural lighting. These allow you to control the movement and opacity of your windows to allow appropriate sunlight according to climatic conditions. They aim to reduce heat gain and control solar radiation during summers and minimize heat loss during winters. Love the large window openings but hate the heat and glare? Smart windows are exactly made to control such discomforting effects.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT USES OF SMART WINDOWS?
Here is a list of reasons why Smart Windows Technology is slowly becoming the inevitable future of Windows.
Multi-Seasonal Functionality
The functionality of windows changes with the change in outside weather conditions. We all love the winter sun beaming through our windows, making our homes warm and welcoming. However, in Summer, we try to block the harsh sunlight to restrict heat gain. Despite this, wouldn’t you want natural light in your room without worrying about the solar heat that comes with it? Here is how Smart Windows can help you with that. These can help you change the setting of your windows in response to the seasonal or daily climatic changes with a mere button.
You have the option to adjust the opacity according to your liking. You can either go for diffused natural light with no solar heat, direct sunlight with solar heat, or completely blackout windows. In the scorching summer heat, you can adjust the windows to block the solar gain completely while still allowing diffused natural sunlight to enter. This will help you to maintain the temperature of your home. As a result, your HVAC unit will consume less energy and, thus, save you money in the process.
Moreover, reduced electricity bills and less energy consumption will also increase the working life of your air conditioning system. In winters, you can leave your windows opaque just as they are to allowing radiating warm sunlight to enter. In this way, investing in Smart Home Windows means investing for a sustainable, energy-efficient, and futuristic future.
Towards Sustainability
Smart windows technology is an environment-friendly solution for excessive energy consumption. How? Let’s see. It is easier to minimize your house’s energy footprint by installing these windows, which react intuitively to the sun. It discourages the heavy use of HVAC while cutting down your energy cost and electricity bills. The advent of technology created a huge gap between mankind and nature. Smart home technology, such as smart windows, is an innovative approach to bridge this gap and move towards a sustainable future. These allow you to customize your window setting according to any climatic zone while catering for its specific requirements. You can take advantage of the natural resources, like sunlight, to light your room without worrying about the associated solar gain.
Living With Luxury
Smart window technology promotes luxury living by controlling sunlight without compromising outside views. This technology helps you to keep your home furniture and expensive furnishing protected from harmful UV rays. These rays damage leather and upholstery items, making them dry and worn out. In addition to this, wood flooring and carpets are also faded out by damaging UV rays. Smart home windows give you an edge with open floor plans catering maximum natural environment into your home while keeping all your luxurious home items protected.
Producing Solar Energy
Many companies are trying to step up the game of Smart windows by incorporating solar cells into the glass for producing solar energy for your home or building. In this way, it will not only save your energy but also allows you to produce your own solar energy, which reduces the cost and energy footprint even more. If we talk in terms of sustainability, smart windows have definitely come a long way. Although more research and work is needed to achieve the targeted goals of perfection, it is still a huge accomplishment in smart home technologies.
HOW MUCH DO SMART WINDOWS COST?
Now that we know what smart windows are, it’s time to ask the important question: How much do they cost? Great things come with a greater price tag. The same is the case with Smart Windows. The initial investment comes with a huge burden on your wallet, but it’s definitely worth the cost. Think of it this way, the overall benefits of Smart Window overshadow the initial cost.
If we make a comparison between the HVAC cost of a house with and without Smart Windows, you’ll notice a significant difference. So in this way, Smart Home Windows will definitely end up saving your money in the long run. It is hard to give you an exact estimate since the overall cost depends on several factors. These can include the size, type, material, and design of your windows. In addition to this, the number and quality of Windows will also determine the overall price. However, a typical one-unit of smart window can cost you from $85 to $3000.
FINAL WORDS
Here is your answer to What Are Smart Windows and why do we think they are the future of smart homes. Despite popular beliefs, these are not merely a luxury for multi-national billionaires or high-fi CEOs. In fact, smart windows are becoming an editable future in modern architecture and homes. They allow you to adjust the setting of your windows according to your liking, weather conditions, and the sun’s movement. This allows you to lower your energy consumption and overall HVAC cost. Although Smart Windows come with a shocking initial cost, its overall benefits truly overshadow its cost and actually save you money in the long run.