The term Smart Glass may be sound like some sci-fi futuristic fantasy for windows of the future but it is very real and available in the present. While you won’t see it in the average household just yet, the homes of the not so distant future will more than likely all be equipped with smart glass. This technology can dynamically control the amount of heat and light that enters your home.
What is Smart Glass?
While the technology is very complex, in simple terms smart glass is a window that can be switched or transformed from transparent to translucent by applying electricity to it. It is controlled by a simple wall switch. The technology not only changes the amount of light that filters through the glass, it can also change the amount of heat that is allowed to pass through the glass to optimize thermal efficiency throughout the day and through the various seasons of the year.
The use of smart glass could all but eliminate the need for blinds or shades or other devices used to block sunlight. With full control, the glass will reduce the cost of both heating and cooling the homes of the future.
Is Smart Glass Affordable?
While the cost to produce smart glass is coming down, it may be 10 years before you see it in the average home. Today it is primarily found in new commercial buildings and a few high-end homes. While the technology isn’t new, there are new developments every year that make it more and more affordable. It is just a matter of time before we will see smart window technology as the norm in new home construction across the country and around the world.
This video from the Berkeley Lab explains some of the benefits of smart windows and explains the technology as well as offering a glimpse into the future of using smart windows in your home.
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Have more questions about smart windows? Contact One Source Renovation, LLC at WindowRepairGuy.com or give us a call at (815)-634-8922.