Smart glass windows have been part of many modern home technologies today. You should expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $100 per square foot for tinting windows at your own house.
The actual price will depend on where you live in the U.S. If you are in Utah, a typical smart home installation in Bluffdale or Salt Lake City should include the cost of installing switchable glass for windows.
The Functionality of Smart Glass
Smart glass windows work by letting you control the brightness and dimness of windowpanes based on your preference with a switch of a button. This means that you can save money on cooling and heating expenses during certain seasons. The tint also works as a privacy tool that creates an opaque blur; it can slowly darken to obstruct the home interior from plain view.
While smart glass has a standard functionality, there is a wide selection of products that vary based on the technology. For instance, the photochromic tint works similar to a pair of sunglasses. You don’t need to flip a switch to operate it, as the windows will instantly adjust once it detects sunlight. On the other hand, thermotropic panes automatically dim windows when it reaches a specific temperature. Each type will always have its advantages and drawbacks.
Pros and Cons
An improved energy efficiency arguably serves as the most significant benefit of having smart glass. Window blinds and shades can only do so much to block the heat from the sun. Since these aren’t necessary, it somehow improves the look of your windows by getting rid of window accessories. Take note that smart glass technology remains in constant development, so expect inevitable glitches with some types of systems.
Like any other modern technology, smart glass tinting comes with a hefty price, especially for the latest ones. Suspended particle devices, liquid crystals, and electrochromic glass comprise some of the most recent technologies introduced in the market in past years. Consult a home automation system installer about the right technology for your house.
Cost of Home Automation
Homeowners can choose from starter kits, a monthly subscription and a hardwired system as their choices when planning to automate their homes. A simple package may cost up to $500 for controlling lighting fixtures and locks. The price of adding smart glass tints could quickly increase the rate up to more than $1,000 depending on the number of windows.
If you prefer a monthly subscription, some service providers charge between $35 and $70 per month for home automation. This doesn’t include an activation fee ranging from $200 to $500. A hardwired system is the most expensive among the three choices at $3,000 to $15,000 on average, although it offers the best value for money in terms of response time and reliability.
Smart glass windows are expensive primarily because of the technology used for this tint. Hence, you should hire a professional to make sure that the installation is done correctly instead of doing it by yourself. When choosing the right products, it’s better to buy from legitimate distributors for guaranteed quality.
