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Electronic glass doors: yes or no?

Hermione

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May 29, 2025
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What are your thoughts on electronic glass doors? I want my door to the patio to be made out of smart glass. I want to know the basics and more details about it. Like, is it going to cost a lot, electric-bills wise?

For those of you who have one installed already, I'd love some thoughts directly from you.
 
What are your thoughts on electronic glass doors? I want my door to the patio to be made out of smart glass. I want to know the basics and more details about it. Like, is it going to cost a lot, electric-bills wise?

For those of you who have one installed already, I'd love some thoughts directly from you.
Main thought is you should be really prepared about the cost. It's not cheap. And I don't really get the fun in smart glass doors yet, especially I got 7 cats living with me. I might wake up extremely devastated (and so would my wallet).
 
PDLC types draw a tiny amount of electricity when on , and use zero when frosted, so power usage is minimal. The real cost is in the glass itself. It's way pricier than standard or even high end double pane glass, and installation usually isn't DIY-friendly so I might have to agree with @Platinum IV , but at the same time, lets not underestimate your pocket, if you can afford the luxury then by all means, suit yourself
 
Haven't seen one personally yet but smart glass doors are super cool! and yeah, they can be pricey, but the energy use is actually low. Some even help with heat and UV, which might save you a bit on cooling. Are you into the switchable privacy or something more tinted for sun control?
 
I explored smart glass options for a sunroom I was building some time ago. The initial investment was pretty steep, but I was impressed by how little electricity it consumed, almost none when it was frosted. On top of that, the UV blocking feature helped keep the room cooler during the summer months. It's definitely a luxury item, but if you're aiming for a modern look while saving on energy, it's something to think about. Just keep an eye on those inquisitive cats
 
What are your thoughts on electronic glass doors? I want my door to the patio to be made out of smart glass. I want to know the basics and more details about it. Like, is it going to cost a lot, electric-bills wise?

For those of you who have one installed already, I'd love some thoughts directly from you.
honestly, I think that's a fantastic idea for a patio door!
The good news is that smart glass is surprisingly energy efficient. Most types use a very small amount of electricity, only about 3 to 5 watts per square meter, which is less than a small LED light bulb.
The biggest cost is the initial installation and the price of the glass itself, which can be a few hundred dollars per square foot
 
As cool as it seems, this is not for everybody. The others on this thread mentioned the price, but they forgot to mention the weight. It's not as light as regular glass, meaning you may need to consider some reinforcements, which can make it even more expensive than it initially seems. I'm not a fan personally, but if you're okay with some of the drabacks, then go ahead. Just make sure you get a company that knows how to properly install these kidns of things.
 
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