Saving Gas With Infrared Reflective Glass In California
The California Air Resources Board, unanimously voted to mandate the use of fuel saving IR reflective glass on every new car and truck. Beginning with the model year 2014, auto manufacturers will be required to increase the infrared reflective glass on vehicles to reduce fuel consumption.
This decision will greatly expand the market for infrared reflective glass, which is used to block out the suns heat and help to keep the cars interior cooler. The IR technology reduces the consumption of gas as a result of using the air conditioning and in turn, reduces greenhouse emissions.
Increased fuel consumption from the use of auto air conditioners accounts for around 5.5 percent of the total fuel used per trip. This small percentage adds up to almost 7 billion gallons of gasoline per year. While the new mandates are only required on cars that are sold in California, it may soon be a requirement nationwide.