Why smart windows matter when it's cold, as much as when it’s hot.

I decided to run an experiment while working out of an apartment with smart windows from View, Inc. .?I turned the glass off on a cold but sunny NYC day.?

It quickly became uncomfortably hot. I couldn't see my laptop screen because the glare was intolerable too so I turned the software back on from my iPhone.?

The problem was the heat was already in the room.?Blinds actually help trap the radiant heat in an apartment too and the temperature became unbearable. I was still schvitzing (Yiddish has the best words for every situation.. but I digress.)

So I opened the windows. This provided some immediate relief but now the sun was getting even deeper into the space and man it was noisy! ?A breeze sounds lovely at a beautiful mountain getaway but in NYC, we have to contend with subways screeching, cabbies who communicate via their horns, and let’s face it, we New Yorkers are just a loud people!

With the windows open, the space did start to cool a bit so of course, the heat came BACK on. After changing my 3rd dripping wet shirt, I desperately tried to turn the air back on but there is no air conditioning in a rental in February! This is why you see so many open windows in Manhattan in the winter.?I passed out from heat exhaustion.?

I awoke with my original shirt still on (and dry) and realized it had all just been a bad dream.? I was safe and could see my laptop again behind the tinted glass.

I looked out and the sun was setting and I took in the view I would have missed if the blinds were down.? My circadian rhythm got back in rhythm. My eyes relaxed.

Do smart windows only fit in a warmer climate? ??Tell that to my drenched shirt in the laundry.??Wait a minute…. :)