ecoline windows explores new window technology

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Now more than ever Americans are facing challenges when it comes to energy consumption. One step to combating this issue could be smart windows. Window technology could be instrumental moving forward as the Department of Energy estimates that two percent of all American energy is being absorbed by residential windows. So what are some new technologies that could help Americans save money on windows and lost energy?

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Ecoline Windows Explores New Window Technology

Smart  Windows  Could  Be  Answer  To  Future  Energy  Crunch  By  Ecoline  Windows  January  8,  2014    Now  more  than  ever  Americans  are  facing  challenges  when  it  comes  to  energy  consumption.    One  step  to  combating  this  issue  could  be  smart  windows.  Window  technology  could  be  instrumental  moving  forward  as  the  Department  of  Energy  estimates  that  two  percent  of  all  American  energy  is  being  absorbed  by  residential  windows.    So  what  are  some  new  technologies  that  could  help  Americans  save  money  on  windows  and  lost  energy?    Thermotropic  Windows    You  have  probably  seen  somebody  wearing  glasses  that  darkened  when  they  went  outdoors.    This  is  known  as  photochromic  technology.    A  reaction  is  created  in  the  glass  when  light  hits  it.    This  seems  like  it  could  translate  well  to  residential  windows  as  well.    In  some  environments  it  could.    However,  if  you  live  in  Minnesota  and  it  is  the  middle  of  December  you  could  encounter  a  sunny  day  where  there  is  snow  on  the  ground.    If  the  sun  hits  the  window  the  photochromic  technology  would  force  it  to  darken.    Not  ideal  when  there  is  snow  outside.    This  will  lower  the  internal  temperature  of  your  home  and  actually  make  your  heater  work  harder.    Thermotropic  technology  reacts  to  temperature.    A  cold  but  sunny  day  will  keep  the  window  clear  allowing  for  the  sun’s  light  to  warm  the  home.    A  hot  day  outside  means  the  windows  would  dim.    This  keeps  the  sun’s  heat  from  entering  the  home  and  also  keeps  your  air  conditioning  from  working  as  hard.    Suspended  Particle  Devices    SPDs  is  a  technology  that  involves  two  panes  of  glass  or  plastic  with  small  suspended  particles  inside.    Thousands  of  small  particles  are  in  between  panes  of  

Page 2: Ecoline Windows Explores New Window Technology

glass  and  when  there  is  no  electricity  going  through  these  panes  the  particles  are  allowed  to  float  freely  in  a  small  film  or  gel.    This  is  when  the  particles  are  blocking  out  light  appearing  as  a  dimmed  window.    When  the  particles  are  connected  to  a  small  amount  of  electrical  current  they  begin  to  align  and  stiffen  together.    This  allows  light  to  enter  between  them  as  they  are  no  longer  free  flowing  but  jointed.    So  how  would  you  save  money  by  adding  an  electric  current  to  every  window  in  the  house.    Manufacturers  explain  that  15  smart  windows  with  SPD  technology  would  cost  about  the  equivalence  of  having  a  night  light  on  for  one  night.    

Liquid  Crystals    Liquid  crystals  are  very  similar  to  SPDs  only  the  particles  are  larger  and  there  are  less  of  them  between  panes.    While  SPDs  can  dim  a  window  drastically  liquid  crystals  take  a  clear  window  and  turn  it  translucent.    These  windows  are  common  in  offices  and  professional  environments  because  they  allow  privacy  but  still  let  in  a  good  amount  of  light.    

In  order  to  save  money  in  the  long  run  with  these  new  technologies  there  will  be  the  initial  installments  of  these  smart  windows.    The  future  will  see  more  and  more  smart  windows  in  residential  buildings  and  once  these  residents  see  their  monthly  energy  bill  be  significantly  lower  it  appears  the  new  technology  will  be  well  worth  it.    Founded  in  1999,  Ecoline  Windows  provides  easy,  worry-­‐free  window  replacement  to  customers  throughout  Edmonton,  Calgary,  and  Winnipeg.  All  Ecoline  windows  are  manufactured  in  Vaughan,  Ontario  and  are  designed  specifically  to  withstand  the  extreme  weather  of  the  harsh  prairie  climate.  Our  team  combines  a  knowledgeable  sales  force,  experienced  installation  crews,  and  a  supportive  customer  service  staff  to  deliver  the  best  results  in  the  business.