Friday, September 20, 2013

Look At Your Windows - They're Paying Your Electric Bill!

I read House Beautiful - and always find something interesting in it, whether it'a about design or color (I'm an amateur artist) but this month's issue (October - see cover below) has an article titled Tech Support.  I was so amazed at what I read that I have to share it! (I'm going to type it as written in the magazine).



1. Save The Birds:  Every year, millions of birds fly into glass windows.  This patterned coating - visible to birds but not humans - prevents that.  All you'll see is clear class.  Ornilux Mikado coating, available through architects and contractors.  ornilux.com

Let's save the birds!

2. Power Windows: The next big thing in every? Coming soon: windows that double as solar generators! SolarWindows are sprayed with an electricity-generating coating that enables them to collect power from the sun and any fluorescent or LED lights inside.  newenergytechnologiesinc.com.

Amazing - right?

4. Fogging Up:  With this easily installed, Wi-Fi-enabled window film, you can use your smartphone to switch between see-through and opaque-but-translucent almost instantly.  Just measure the window, cut the electrostatic file to size, an stick it on the glass. Sonte Film, From $299 sonte.com

Who needs shades anymore?

5. Lockdown:  In collaboration with Honeywell, Andersen Windows is launching a system that lets homeowners know when windows or doors are unlocked.  Via sensors embedded in the company's E-Series/Eagle windows and doors, you can see a room-by-room list on your smartphone or tablet.  VeriLock, from $120 per wind or door.  andersenwindows.com

Maybe a bit much for where you live, but how about on your vacation home or Paris apartment?

7. Sunblock: 3M's Prestige window film allows in 40 to 70 percent of natural light, yet blocks up to 97 percent of infrared light, 99.9 percent of UV rays and 60 percent of heat.  It helps keep temperatures consistent from room to room and reduces glare on TV and computer screens.  3M Prestige Series window film, from $10 - $15 per square foot. 3m.com.

Never mind that it protects your carpets, furniture and artwork.

I hope you've been amazed as I have on what retail scientists are working on to make our lives a bit more comfortable and energy efficient.