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Do you take your windows for granted? A pretty strange question to ask, but one that genuinely interests me. The mere fact that most of us raise our eyebrows shows that we do, in fact, take our windows for granted. We rarely pay them much attention or think about the impact they have on the home.
Why am I asking you about this? Well, I believe that windows are an underrated feature of every property. We’re so used to seeing them that we don’t even think twice about them. But, did you ever stop and think about what windows do for your home? If you do, then you’ll soon realize they’re an integral part of your property.
To help this make a lot more sense, let me walk you through all of the reasons that windows are arguably the most vital aspect of your home:
They blend interior and exterior design
It’s hard to describe windows without using the cliche line that they’re a window into your property. But, I think that perfectly illustrates this point. Unlike any other aspect of your house, windows will blend interior and exterior design perfectly. When viewed from the outside, your windows can enhance curb appeal and make your home look gorgeous. When viewed from the inside, they can complement the interior design and provide a place for accessories – like curtains or blinds.
There’s no other part of your property that impacts both the interior and exterior design flow. I think we definitely take this for granted and don’t appreciate the work that some good windows can do for your home aesthetics.
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They provide natural lighting
All homes will benefit from natural lighting. In fact, the more of it you get, the better.
You see, natural light can illuminate any room and make it more vibrant. It brings out all of the subtle tones and colors and makes the whole area come alive. There’s definitely a massive difference in the atmosphere of a room that’s naturally lit, versus one that’s lit via a ceiling light. Everything feels cleaner and brighter, it really enhances the room.
Without good windows, you wouldn’t get much natural light into your home. Not only can this make your interiors look worse, but it also makes the house feel quite gloomy. Who wants to walk around in the middle of the day with half the home in shadow? It means you end up turning your lights on, which wastes loads of electricity (we’ll talk more about this later!) As such, windows let your home take advantage of the many benefits that natural lighting can bring.
They add extra security
Imagine your home with no windows – it’s pretty unsafe, right? We don’t realize how much windows do for the security of our home. Essentially, they stop intruders from coming in. But, they also provide safety during storms or bouts of bad weather when debris can be flying about. Most double-glazing windows are surprisingly robust and take a lot to be broken. So, we can feel much safer when we sleep at night.
Furthermore, this brings the type of windows you have into consideration. You need to ensure that they are thick and sturdy enough to withstand impacts. There’s no use having single-glazing windows as they don’t offer the same level of security as double or triple. If you’re thinking about upgrading or replacing your windows, then this is a massive thing to consider before you make your purchase!
They make us more comfortable
Good windows can improve comfort in your property. How? By letting you alter the temperature of your home. When it’s cold outside, windows can trap heat within your house. This warms the home up, making it nice and cozy for everyone. Incidentally, this is a great way to see if your windows need to be replaced or not. Stand by them and see if you feel a slight breeze or some cold air. Windows that have been properly installed will not let any air into your home – or allow air to go out. If yours don’t do this, then contact a company like Renewal by Andersen to replace the windows and make them better at sealing off your home from the cold air.
On the other hand, windows also make your house more comfortable during the warmer months of the year. In summer, the heat can sometimes be unbearable. So, you open a window to let air in. It’s the opposite effect, but it helps you cool down your home and feel more comfortable.
They improve energy efficiency
Personally, this is one of the biggest reasons that windows are a vital aspect of your home. In this day and age, you need to watch your energy usage. Unfortunately, we’re guilty of wasting so much energy in our homes – usually through heating and electricity. But, did you know that your windows play key roles in reducing your energy use?
As I already mentioned, they help trap heat in the home. This has dramatic effects on your energy bill. You see, when heat is trapped in your home, the whole place feels warmer. Therefore, you don’t need to turn the thermostat up to a high temperature. In fact, you might not have to turn it on at all. Or, you can make do with it turned on for less time.
Consequently, you use up less energy as the demand on your central heating is lower. It’s very simple yet wildly effective. So, when you’re shopping for new windows, always be sure to check the energy rating. The better the rating, the more insulative the windows will be. In turn, you save energy and save money.
Additionally, I touched upon the idea of windows letting in natural light. Well, this stops you from needing to turn on your lights during the day. The windows brighten up the home, so you will only need to switch lights on when it gets dark. Again, this saves so much energy as you don’t use up electricity turning lights on during the daytime.
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They give you gorgeous views
Last but not least, windows provide you with exceptional views. Now, this can be a bigger deal for some than others. If you live out in the countryside, then it’s a key thing for you. Big panoramic windows can open your home up to stunning views of the undulating hills and fields as far as the eye can see. This alone can make your home more valuable, and it could be a key reason for you to live where you do.
Even if you live in the city, windows give you great views of things nearby. It might provide a view of your backyard, which you really enjoy. Granted, this is not the most important of features a window brings to your property, but it’s still well worth mentioning.
So, in summary, you can see how amazing windows are in and around the home. Hopefully, you now understand why I think they’re taken for granted! Keeping that in mind, it might be time for you to improve your home with a window upgrade. This is one of the best home improvements you can make, but there are things to consider before choosing your windows. Think about the style, energy rating, durability, and so on. Then, you can find the perfect options to make your home that little bit better. I guess the moral of this story is that you should stop taking your windows for granted and appreciate what they bring to the table.
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M. Constance Colvin
Hi Suzanne…..I’m curious…….do you not upcycle furniture any longer? You’re so skillful!