The following are characteristics of each window attachment technology, including the product description, energy savings, lifetime, target market, and relevant research. For more in-depth information about a particular technology, please contact [email protected]
Residential and commercial window attachments can be motorized, automated and integrated with smart home technologies or energy management systems in a commercial setting.
Residential
On the residential side, interior and exterior shades can be motorized and automated. Shades can be scheduled and accessed through manufacturers’ apps. They also can integrate with smart home technologies and systems, including Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, Nest, Google Assistant, Control4, and others, to be programmed for weather, temperature, sunrise/sunset, and other criteria.
Automated shades can be a complement to utility smart home technology program offerings, particularly for products that have received an AERC automation energy improvement rating. Shades can work with smart thermostats and be a potential valuable resource for demand response programs, which can deploy shades during an event.
Commercial
Interior and exterior commercial shades can be automated. When paired with lighting control and energy management systems, automated commercial shades can be a powerful tool for managing energy, maximizing daylighting, minimizing glare, and improving the overall comfort and productivity of occupants.
Commercial automated shading systems have algorithms that adjust shades for a range of factors throughout the day, including direct sunlight and weather. They also can account for shadows from neighboring buildings or reflections from nearby buildings.
Description: Louvered window covering with stacked vanes that can be both tilted and raised/lowered
Energy Savings Potential: 4-15% based on interior light-colored Venetian blind
Lifetime: 4-8 years
Target Market: Residential, multi-family, or commercial
Non-Energy Benefits: Occupant comfort, glare reduction, privacy, and daylighting
Pricing: $50-$225
Relevant Reports/Studies/Pilots:
Description: Honeycomb or cellular structure that can be operated manually or automated
Energy Savings Potential: 5-16% savings over an aluminum frame, double-pane clear glass window with vinyl blinds as a baseline.
Lifetime: 8-10 years
Target Market
Non-Energy Benefits: Occupant comfort, glare reduction, property value, privacy, aesthetics, and security (automated system)
Pricing:
Relevant Reports/Studies/Pilots:
Description: Window pane added to interior or exterior of existing window that reduces air infiltration. Low-emissivity (low-e) coating minimize transmission of infrared energy.
Energy Savings Potential: Average annual savings over metal frame, double-pane clear glass windows:
Lifetime: 10-20 years
Target Market
Non-Energy Benefits: Occupant comfort, improved health, noise reduction, security, aesthetics, and ventilation
Pricing: $60-$180 (based on industry average 3’x5’ window)
Relevant Reports/Studies/Pilots:
Description: Exterior or interior shade that can be automated
Energy Savings Potential:
Lifetime: 6-10 years
Target Market:
Non-Energy Benefits: Occupant comfort, glare reduction, privacy, and daylighting
Pricing: $40-$200
Relevant Reports/Studies/Pilots:
Description: Pleated shades provide solar heat gain control and adjustability helps consumers balance view, glare control, and daylighting
Energy Savings Potential: 3-13% based on interior light-colored pleated shade
Lifetime: 8-10 years
Target Market: Residential, multi-family, or commercial
Non-Energy Benefits: Occupant comfort, glare reduction, privacy, and daylighting
Pricing: $45-$175
Relevant Reports/Studies/Pilots:
Description: Additional pane or insulated glass units (IGU) added to interior of existing commercial window reduces air infiltration and low-e coating minimizes infrared energy
Energy Savings Potential: Philadelphia Office Retrofit Case Study (Home Innovation Research Labs): heating savings of up to 25%
Lifetime: 20+ years
Target Market:
Non-Energy Benefits: Occupant comfort, noise reduction, improved health, and greater productivity
Pricing: $35 – $50/sq. ft., including installation (Price dependent on size, location, and existing conditions)
Relevant Reports/Studies/Pilots:
Description: An exterior shade that projects out over the window, to block the sun while allowing view and movement below the awning.
Energy Savings Potential:
Lifetime:
Target Market: Residential, multi-family, or commercial
Non-Energy Benefits: Improved thermal comfort, and improved visual comfort/glare reduction.
Pricing: N/A
Relevant Reports/Studies/Pilots: