The Importance of Natural Light in Your Home

As human beings we have a natural attraction, even a physical need, for daylight. All dwellings care out openings for access to outdoor light and ventilation with the best window & door such as french doors or sliding, from the earliest caves to the most modern buildings. Understanding how light influences the body and mind can make a huge difference in how you view you windows. Did you know light can effect sleep, alertness, mood, health, and cognitive performance? These non-visual effects can have a big impact on your life.

Advantages of Effective Daylighting

The overall objective of daylighting is to rely more heavily on natural light and minimize use of artificial light. While the initial goal might be reduced electricity and HVAC costs (savings of 15 to 40 percent), there are several other advantages as well. These benefits include:

• Reduced greenhouse gasses
• Less eyestrain in workspaces like the office or kitchen
• Increased concentration and productivity
• Better memory and mental health
• Reduced levels of stress and depression
• Improved health and well-being
• More natural circadian rhythms
• Increased exposure to vitamin D
• A warmer, more welcoming environment
• Space appears larger and more open

But Getting More Natural Light Isn’t Always Easy

Here are some disadvantages that come with more daylighting:

1. Unwanted Heat

Often rooms with great views and ample natural light also come with unwanted heat. It can be complicated, balancing visual and thermal comfort. You want to find windows with a high visible transmittance, but a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. This means you get plenty of daylight, but the glazing blocks unwanted heat transfer from solar radiation. You might also consider special coatings that diffuse direct sunlight, and minimize heat gains in that regard.

2. Glare

You also have to do what you can to control glare. It starts by considering the orientation of your home and the placement of your windows. North and south facing windows are the best for daylighting. They get a steady stream of light through the day. East and west facing windows get more direct light in the morning and evening, respectively. The angled light gets in the windows and produces a lot of unwanted glare. You want to find light filtering window coverings that give you more control. You can block out the harsher light during specific times of day, and let in more diffused light to help reduce glare. Skylights and solar tubes are other great options for increasing daylight without getting too much direct light.

3. Initial Cost

Initiating an effective daylighting system might require a significant investment. This is especially true if you need to replace old windows or carve out space for more of them. Keep in mind, the energy savings will help make up for the initial money spent. And fortunately there are a lot of options on the market. You can choose from a variety of different styles, materials, and configurations. Because there are so many products available you are sure to find windows to fit your needs and budget.

Get Help From the Experts

When it comes to finding the right windows and the best installation, you need EnergyGuard. We have over 40 years of experience with Portland window replacement and the surrounding area. Our team of experts will show you all the different designs and help you decide on the best daylighting system for your home and budget. Call us today at 503-554-5500.