English Living
Interiors
Get Smart: Futuristic Energy Efficient Home Improvements That Can Help Save on Bills
With innovation and technology, windows and doors in the home can go way beyond only letting in natural light. Future windows and doors will likely combine energy-saving innovations within traditional glazing as part of the rising tide of smart technologies.
For example, micro mirror glazing for windows and doors could radically boost thermal efficiency performance by harnessing sunlight in the cooler months and reflecting sunlight in the warmer months – using sensors to ensure that temperatures remain optimal. Solar panel windows, which utilise the sun’s energy in the summer months and convert this to electricity, are another example of the development of glazing technology.
Colour-changing glass is an innovation that is increasingly utilised within retail and commercial spaces, such as retail kiosks, and will likely transition into domestic settings as homeowners take note of its capabilities.
With the functionality to display just about any image, including your latest holiday snap, through digital imagery or switch from clear to opaque glass using electric currents, these emerging technologies could cut energy costs significantly and change the way we use the glass in our doors and windows – imagine a wall of glass that provides stunning views out during the day, but becomes a panoramic video wall to watch TV on at night.
Here, IDSystems presents an eye-catching infographic detailing the future of smart windows and doors for the home, and the technological advancements we could be experiencing soon.
The home of the future
Technologies are continuing to transform our view of the ‘perfect’ home. New innovations within window and door design are already helping to drive energy efficiency and improve privacy. Our infographic highlights some impressive evolving technologies that could establish their place as home design staples in the near future.
Combining open-plan designs with smart, energy saving technologies, future windows and doors may incorporate energy-saving technologies within traditional glazing. For example, micro mirror glazing for windows and doors could radically boost thermal efficiency performance by harnessing sunlight in the cooler months and reflecting sunlight in the warmer months – using sensors to ensure that temperatures remain optimal. Solar panel windows, which utilise the sun’s energy in the summer months and convert this to electricity, are another example of the development of glazing technology that are likely to be possible in the years to come.
Colour-changing glass is an innovation that is increasingly utilised within retail and commercial spaces, such as retail kiosks, will likely transition into domestic settings as homeowners take note of its capabilities.
With the functionality to display just about any image, including your latest holiday snap, through digital imagery or switch from clear to opaque glass using electric currents, these emerging technologies could cut energy costs significantly and change the way we use the glass in our doors and windows – imagine a wall of glass that provides stunning views out during the day, but becomes a panoramic video wall to watch TV on at night.
Privacy glass continues to be developed. Recognising consumers’ desires to flood homes with light, future innovations will enable homeowners to enter ‘privacy’ mode at the touch of a button, without sacrificing lighting levels with the continued development of electrochromic glass. Whilst the technology that allows the glass to switch between clear and obscured is not new, developments in the future will allow for it to become more cost-effective and widely used. Frosted and patterned glass, and curtains and blinds could soon become interior trends of the past!
Noise reduction is another advantage of modern glazing innovations, keeping people’s parties private and cutting noise from passers-by, particularly in urban and built-up areas.
