Suburban Blog

The History of the Heat Mirror Replacement Window

      In 1979, Southwall Technology was founded in Palo Alto, California and participated in a 5 year government-funded research program at M.I.T to improve energy efficiency in buildings. The result was the Heat Mirror, a clear polyester film with a 3-layer coating that transmits light but reflects long-wave infrared energy. Heat Mirror technology was the first innovation in the glass industry in over 100 years. In 1991, Window & Door magazine awarded Southwall the "Diamond Crystal Industry Achievement Award" for its contributions to energy conservation.

      The Heat Mirror technology will lower your energy costs dramatically more than any other replacement window on the market. The secret to its success is the dual combination of heat-reflecting film and gas-filled air in the window that reduces heat-loss in the winter 5 times better than traditional double-pane windows. Heat Mirror will continue to save money on your energy bill in the summer by repelling radiant heat, therefore leaving your air conditioner significantly more effective. Heat Mirror doesn't stop there either, reducing sound transmission it also blocks 99% of UV radiation from the sun which prevents fading on your furniture, carpet, and drapes.

       When Popular Science Magazine chose the 100 Greatest Inventions as a millennium-year special, only 5 appliances made the list. Along with the air conditioner, stove, washer, and refrigerator, they listed Heat Mirror Replacement Windows as "One of the more dramatic advances." 

 For more information about Heat Mirror technology please CLICK HERE.

 

Energy Saving Tips

A fireplace can be a major drain on home energy. To burn, a fire draws warm air from your rooms to be replaced by cold outside air.  Warm air will escape through the chimney to the outside if the damper is not completely closed or sealed when not in use.  The fireplace should have well-closing glass doors unless it has a direct source of outside air.  If you do not use your fireplace at all, seal the damper {flue} with a specially designed inflatable plug or balloon inserted into the fireplace beneath the damper.  This type of product is available at hardware stores or on line and can pay for itself in one mid-winter bill. Remember air leaks in the home account for much of your homes energy loss.  Your fireplace is just one of the many simple things you can do to save energy, save money and make your home more comfortable. Suburban Windows & Siding can help you identify problem areas and save you energy with our Heat Mirror replacement windows and energy efficient doors.

Heat Mirror Windows: 1/100 Greatest Inventions of the Millennium

       When Popular Science Magazine hosted the 100 Greatest Inventions of the Millennium, only 5 household appliances made the list. The air conditioner, the stove, the washer, and the refrigerator,"One of the more dramatic advances" was the Heat Mirror Replacement Window. The Heat Mirror window is so important because it actually conserves energy in the summer by reflecting radiant heat energy from your home and in the winter it retains the radiant heat! The Heat Mirror window is a sophisticated climate-controlling appliance which achieves 10 times the energy performance of single-pane windows, and 5 times that of dual-pane windows. The Heat Mirror window doesn't stop there too, it actually blocks over 99% of UV radiation from the sun which can help prevent fading of your carpets, furniture, and curtains. The Heat Mirror window is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which means that it's eligible for a tax rebate up to $1500. To find out more information on the exclusive Heat Mirror technology here in Connecticut, please click here.