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How a new generation of 'smart windows' could keep you warm in winter and cool in summer

Live Science
Summary
Nutrition label

76% Informative

Buildings make up about 30%-40% of the world's energy demand, with air conditioning especially energy-hungry.

Windows allow heat to escape in winter and enter in summer , forcing temperature systems to consume more energy.

The challenge is to control this heat transfer without compromising on windows' transparency and the amount of daylight they let in.

Most of the current versions on the market are what is known as electrochromic ( EC ), meaning they work by applying electricity at the touch of a button to layers of particles or crystals inside the glass.

This blocks out the majority of infrared light, which is what makes rooms uncomfortably warm.

However, photochromic windows are very expensive, at least.

This is the key to the widespread rollout of a single type of window around the world.

It should make a significant difference not only to aircon requirements but also to the need for heating and radiators.

The market for EC windows should increase by nearly another US$4 billion or around 60% by 2028 , says Anurag Roy .

VR Score

79

Informative language

79

Neutral language

54

Article tone

informal

Language

English

Language complexity

55

Offensive language

not offensive

Hate speech

not hateful

Attention-grabbing headline

not detected

Known propaganda techniques

not detected

Time-value

long-living