Though they provide beautiful views of the surrounding areas, windows are among the most fearsome enemies of energy efficiency. More than 30 percent of the energy consumed in the United States, the largest electricity provider in the world, goes to remedying the situations that windows create. The current is used to make up for heat loss and gains, especially during winter and summer. Now, experts propose a new type of technology that, when printed on windows, could save the country up to $40 billion in uselessly spent money. The key is for the windows to be able to change their properties depending on the weather outside, Technology Review reports.

This is not the first time the idea is proposed. In fact, it has been around for quite some time now, but the advanced technologies used to make windows change colors cost a lot of money, therefore not too many people can afford them. Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are currently proposing a new method of producing these structures, by adding electrochromic films on existing windows via cheap printing methods. This could ensure that even existing windows can be made more energy efficient, helping keep homes at the desired temperature, and protecting the environment at the same time.

The basic operating principle of the new de... (read more)