August 22, 2005
Heated Windows
You've probably heard of radiant heat used in floors, but how about heated windows? The IQ Glass heating system is a double-pane glass unit with three components: an outer pane sporting an invisible coating to reflect heat in the summer and block cold in the winter, krypton (a nontoxic insulating gas) between the planes, and a thin coat of metal oxide on the inside window pane. An electrical current runs through the metal oxide, creating a resistance that produces radiant heat. According to the manufacturer, the IQ window system uses up to 35% less energy than other heating systems.
Heated windows have been popular in Europe for a decade, and IQ Glass is working toward making them trendy in the US, too. The windows can be installed in new homes or retrofitted into existing homes. The radiant heating element can also be incorporated into custom windows and even stained glass.
