How New Window Technology Will Lower Home Energy Costs

Bee Window has been providing clients with quality replacement windows for more than 30 years, and in that time the methods and materials used in the business have improved dramatically. The advent of smart window technology, though, is rapidly changing how they construct homes and expanding the versatility of home windows.

Home windows already come in versions that are glare-proof, single-paned or double-paned. But smart windows are being developed that have the ability to get darker just by pressing a button, which can be used for privacy reasons or to insulate a home from heat exchange. Although this type of function has been possible in the past, new technology has finally made it affordable for the average homeowner, giving them new, futuristic options for energy conservation and privacy. Windows are one of the major causes of high heating bills in the winter and high cooling bills in the summer, so new technology for energy efficient windows will be welcomed eagerly by many homeowners.

Photochromic glass, which is already available in the window market, automatically darkens when hit with sunlight. But there’s no way to control when photochromic glass darkens (as anyone who has transition eyeglass lenses can testify to). And thermochromic windows will change opacity only in response to changing temperature. New smart window technology, however, can let you darken window glass without waiting for sunlight to hit it or for a temperature change.

The new technology, called electrochromic glass, allows the user to choose when windows should darken, and how dark the glass should get. This can all be done through a control panel, a pre-set timer, or even from voice commands.

Other new technologies are also in development that will even surpass the abilities of electrochromic windows. And the developments aren’t just limited to one or two companies; in fact, several companies are competing in the smart window arena, with new production lines and features expected to hit the market soon. And remember: although the technology might be a bit expensive as new smart windows first emerge, prices will decrease dramatically as competition increases and more solutions are produced.

Smart window technology is something that Bee Window is very excited about. We’re going to keep a close eye on the developments in order to make sure we’re providing the most energy efficient, cost-effective window replacement solutions to our customers.