Tips for Getting the Most Natural Light from Your Windows

Daylighting is the practice of utilizing natural light from the windows as your primary source of indoor lighting. In today’s post, local replacement window contractor Renewal by Andersen® of British Columbia discusses how the right conditions—window styles, floor plan, furniture placement—can help you get the most out of daylighting.

The Benefits of Daylighting

Daylighting provides both practical and aesthetic benefits. Practical, because it helps reduce, or even eliminate, the need for electrical lighting during the day. This can help lower your monthly utility bills. Aesthetic, because naturally-lit indoor spaces look more open, spacious and inviting. Natural light also accentuates colors better than electrical light does.

There are various scientific studies that point to the health benefits of daylighting. People who stay in naturally-lit environments, whether at home, work, or school, tend to have regular sleep patterns. This promotes healthy amounts of sleep, improved alertness and better memory retention.

How to Optimize Your Windows for Daylighting

As your local replacement window company, we at Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia know a thing or two about optimizing your windows for better natural lighting. Whether you’re buying replacement windows or are seeing what you can do with your existing ones, here are some expert tips:

Choose the Right Orientation — Different sides of your house provide different kinds of natural light, and choosing which side to optimize for daylighting can make a big difference. People who happen to have a good view of sunrise would consider optimizing their east-facing windows, however, they may get harsh sunlight during later hours of the morning. The same goes with west-facing windows, where sunset may paint the interiors with an intense orange light during late afternoons. North-facing windows provide softer lighting and are the ideal side for optimization for most home styles.

Window Height Matters — The rule of thumb for daylight penetration is: the depth of a daylit zone is 1.5 to 2 times the window head height. That is, the taller the window, the farther the reach of natural light. An existing window can be optimized for daylighting by having picture windows added to the top.

Choose Bottom-Up Window Treatments — Most window treatments, when partially closed, cover the top half of the window. There are certain types of window treatments that close from the bottom up, which helps maintain natural lighting while letting you control how much light you get close up.

Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia is your leading provider of energy-efficient replacement windows. Give us call at (604) 757-0765. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Vancouver and Delta, BC.