Latest technology in windows

IiZOUR customers may have trou- I ble believing i[ but by the end of this year they will be able to have windows that open and close automatically or with the touch of a button on a wall panel, a rcmote control device or even a touch-tone telephone.

A joint development by Marvin Windows & Doors and Honeywell Inc., the concept is nearly ready for the market. Tested as part of a Total Home System introduced at the National Association of Home Builderc 1992 national convention. the technology can be installed in a new home or retrofitted into a current home for slightly more than the cost of a good security system. The Total Home System integrates control of security, temperature, lighting, appliances and now windows from a single, easy to operate panel. Using a special code it can be operated from in or outside the home using a trouchtone phone.

"The first year success of Honeywell's Total Home System demonsmtes the readiness of home owners and builders to enhance individual lifestyles with affordable home automation," said Linda Whitman, director of home systems for Honeywell.

The system allows individual windows or groups of windows to be opened or closed at separate locations throughout the house. Optional sensors which detect moisture can alert the system to automatically close and lock the windows in case of rain. An optional carbon dioxide sensor monitors a room, automatically opening windows when the room gets too stuffy.

The system can continuously monitor the conditions in a home to decide when windows need to be opened for air or closed against the elements. Operating in conjunction with air conditioning or a heater, the system will close windows to conserve energy costs.

Hard-to-reach roof windows or other inaccessible windows can be automatically opened and closed on command. All windows in the home can be shut and locked simultaneously with the system, eliminating going from room to room to close windows by hand. The system simplifies opening and closing windows for those whose physical limitations, such as arthritis, make it difficult to operate standad crank handles.

Each window can be programmed to open all the way or to either of two preset positions. Optional wall switches allow a homeowner to override the entire system. If the window is obstructed while closing, ttre motorized hardware will automatically stop, back up slightly and stop again. All motorized hardware is UL approved.

Motorized windows can be installed separately from the Total Home System. Available from Marvin, the motorized hardware can be insralled by a window contractor and controlled by either optional wall switches or a hand-held remote control.

"Marvin has always been a company committed to designing and marketing the most advanced window and door technology," said senior vice president Susan Marvin. "This is a major step forward in the advancement of home automation."

According to both companies, the product presentation will involve joint programs for builders and architects such as model home programs.

Story at a Glance

Motorized window controls work separately or in conjunction with Total Home System for automatic opening and closing moisture detection sensors shut windows in case of rain available from Marvin and Honeywell by end of the year.