Heated windows for buildings?

[strawbale]

Hi,
Im looking for advice on heated windows and wonder if there is anyone here who understands and can help explain their thermal properties and behaviour.

This is not a new technology as I understand it but has recently has a revival, being promoted as a "green" heating solution for buildings with a large proportion of external glazing. At the moment we are debating the possible merits of such a system on another eco building forum.

I work as a project manager on "eco" orientated building projects and would appreciate any assistance on understand if and how the claims made by heated window manufacturers might be valid.

many thanks

Paul

 

[dwallace1971]

As with many "green" technologies, the efficiency benefits of heated windows seems a bit specious. In my experience windows are heated primarily to prevent fogging or to remove ice. I don't see what sort of "green" benefit can be gained by applying heat directly to a surface exposed to the outside environment.