Every five or ten years, a home deserves some kind of a redesigned or redecoration to get read of that old and dull look and to turn it into something a lot more modern and interesting. But, this time around, I think that your redecoration should be a little bit more different. In 2024, there are a lot of modern technologies you could install in your home to make it a bit futuristic. A smart home is something that everyone should aim for in this next decade, and I recommend starting with smart doors and windows.
However, taking up a project such as this one is not easy because you have to make sure that you pick the right devices when it comes to building a smart home. Making the wrong choice could lead to future technical problems that will be very difficult to solve. Nobody wants a window that is unable to open because the smart technology on it has malfunctioned. It is very important that you look for quality brands and that you analyze the product before purchasing them.
To help you realize this project that you have in mind, I am writing this article to tell you everything there is about smart doors and windows.
Why do I need smart windows?
Source: youtube.com
The first question you’re probably asking yourself is, why would you even need a window that has any kind of technology? Its sole purpose should be to just give you a bit of sunlight throughout the day and to open it when you want some fresh air to get inside, right? Well, this might have been true 10 or 20 years ago, but a lot of things have changed in this last decade and why shouldn’t you utilize these new technologies that are installed in windows?
The most interesting thing about these new types of windows is that they can be equipped with equipment that can tint the glass with a click of a button. I know, it sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it is true and it works quite effectively. There are several different ways of doing this these days.
You can either go with the LCD solution, which is currently the most interesting one, you could also go with the electrochromic option or with suspended particles.
LCD glass
Source: grayglassblog.com
Personally, I find that this option is the most futuristic and most interesting. The way it works is quite simple. When everything is turned off, the glass is just a regular window like you would find in any home. But, when you turn on with the remote, it turns into a display screen blocking the sunlight coming from the outside and blocking the view from outside too.
The best thing about this feature is that you can basically play any kind of content on this display screen. The brightness of the display screen will be quite weak and won’t even be comparable to the brightness of a regular TV.
If you do decide to go with an LCD glass, I would not recommend going with a wooden frame because wood is not exactly the most modernistic looking material. It would also be best to make it a fixed window because this way, you will protect the LCD inside of the glass, and it will be a lot more energy-efficient, according to homebusinessmag.com.
Electrochromic
Source: sageglass.com
For those that are looking for the best way to block sunlight and heat coming from the windows, this is the most effective and possibly the best solution for smart windows on this list. Electrochromic glass works in an interesting way. When electricity is run through the particles of the glass, the material starts to morph and change. Once you press that button and that electricity alters the material, the opacity of the window starts to change.
Depending on the product, there can be several different options. Some come with just two different modes, one being with 80% tint or more and the other with 100% opacity. But, there are some products that come with a lot more options in between, allowing you to play with how much sunlight will be entering your room.
Suspended particles
Source: aisglass.com
The last option for smart windows on this list is getting a suspended-particle device. This is another way to achieve what electrochromic technology does, but a little bit more effectively. Keep in mind, this option may be a bit more expensive, so if you’re working with a lower budget, electrochromic is the way to go.
The differences between suspended particles and electrochromic are not that big. Suspended particle glass can change from opaque to transparent in just a few seconds, while the other options take several minutes for the change to take place.
Smart lock
Source: mepro.me
Once you have finally decided and picked what kind of glass you want to be installed in your home, it is time to turn to the doors. And yes, there is a lot of smart technologies surrounding doors too. The best feature you could currently get is a smart lock. With it, you can unlock or lock your home with just a press of a button on your phone. You can also use the application to monitor who has entered or left your home in the last couple of days.
Simply put, it is a great way to make your life a bit more practical and to give you that sense of security that you have been looking for.
Door sensor
Source: yoursmarthomestore.com
Another addition to your home’s security is to install a sensor right next to the door. With it, you will be able to know whether someone is next to your door or just passing through. You can use your smartphone to check when and whether someone has been near your door. You can also connect to the sensor with a camera to give you even more insight into what is happening around your home.
As you can see, there are many ways you can create a smart home, but these smart windows and doors are the best way to do it.
