Energy-saving glass can help you pay less for energy
Windows are usually one of the least energy-efficient elements of our homes. In winter a lot of energy is lost through windows so we need to turn the radiators up. In summer, however, a lot of heat is gained so our air conditioning systems need to work harder. Both of these things lead to our energy bills being very high.
As explained by Energy Saver, ‘heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.’
Recently, however, a research team led by scientists from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has decided to try and change that. They have been working on developing a material that can help solve this problem.
The team has created a self-adapting coating that can be applied to windows and either heat or cool rooms, depending on the demand.
How does the coating work?
The way the newly-developed coating works is it uses the spectrums of light responsible for heating and cooling. During warm months, it suppresses the heat, thus cooling down the room. During colder months, it reduced heat loss, therefore making the room warmer.
This ‘first-of-its-kind glass automatically responds to changing temperatures by switching between heating and cooling,’ Science Daily reported.
There are no electrical components in the coating so users do not have to plug it in and use energy for it to be effective. The coating can keep self-adapting as the weather changes throughout the year and it is operational even in extreme temperatures of more than 70 degrees celsius.
The team of NTU Singapore also reported that their material can be used across various climate zones in the world.
How much energy can we save thanks to this invention?
According to Euronews.green, the material ‘had an overall energy saving performance of up to 9.5 per cent – which equates to 330,000kWh per year. This is the estimated energy required to power 60 households in Singapore for an entire year.’
Once popularised, the material can help households and businesses around the world use less energy. That, in turn, will allow them to spend less money on energy bills. As the invention has proven to work in various types of climates, it can soon become accessible to energy consumers around the world.
It is a significant milestone as most solutions in the field of energy saving windows focus only on specific regions and do not work in others.
Scientists are still working on the material to improve it further so, for the time being, it is now possible to purchase the window coating.
What about double glazing?
While waiting for this new invention to be launched and put in stores, it is important to look for other ways to prevent energy loss through windows. A solution that many people turn to is double glazing.
But what is it and can it help you save money on energy bills?
Double glazing means that our windows are fitted with two layers of glass. The goal of this solution is to make the building warmer and to reduce the noise.
You might be wondering whether double glazing works. The short answer to it is: yes. Double glazed windows keep homes at a warmer temperature and prevent heat loss through windows.
As for how much money you can save thanks to double glazing, category B double glazing can help you save between £110-140 a year in heating costs.
Once installed double glazing can last for more than two decades so if you do not currently have it, it is worth making the investment and upgrading your windows.