Been thinking about ways to cut down on my crazy summer electricity bills, and I stumbled across these smart windows that tint automatically or you can control yourself. Seems kinda futuristic and cool, but they're not exactly cheap. Anyone here actually tried them out? Curious if they genuinely help keep the house cooler or if it's more of a gimmick thing, you know?
"Seems kinda futuristic and cool, but they're not exactly cheap."
You're right, they're definitely pricey upfront, but I've installed a few of these smart tint windows for clients, and the feedback's been mostly positive. They do noticeably reduce heat gain, especially in rooms facing direct sunlight. You might not see a dramatic drop in your bill immediately, but over time it adds up. If your summers are brutally hot, it could be worth considering... otherwise, regular low-E windows with good blinds might be enough.
I've looked into these smart windows myself, and while the tech side of me loves the idea, my practical side keeps hesitating. A buddy of mine installed them in his home office last summer—he swears by them now, says the room feels way cooler and more comfortable. But honestly, when I visited, I couldn't tell if it was the windows or just his new AC unit doing the heavy lifting.
Personally, I've had decent luck just upgrading to good-quality blackout curtains and sealing up drafts around my windows. Way cheaper, and I noticed a difference right away. Don't get me wrong, smart tint windows are pretty slick, and if money wasn't an issue, I'd probably give them a shot. But for now, I'm sticking with simpler solutions that don't break the bank... at least until prices come down a bit more.
Yeah, I'm with you on this one—smart windows seem cool, but the price tag just doesn't justify it yet. I've done a lot of DIY insulation and weatherproofing around my place, and honestly, sealing drafts and adding reflective window film made a huge difference without breaking the bank. Maybe in a few years when the tech matures and prices drop, it'll be worth revisiting...but for now, simpler fixes get the job done just fine.
I looked into smart windows too when I bought my place last year, but the upfront cost made me pause. Ended up going with blackout curtains and some reflective film instead—definitely helped keep things cooler without draining my wallet. Maybe someday though...