11 Benefits of Natural Light in Your Home with New Windows

It’s well-known that natural light is good for you. But what are the benefits exactly and how can you increase natural light in your home to get the most out of this natural resource? We’ve compiled a generous list of benefits–for your body, brain, and home–as well as ways your windows can work to better supply you with even more natural light. 

1. Increase Happiness and Reduce SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder that occurs mostly in climates where sunlight is less available. It can cause fatigue, depression, and social withdrawal, which can affect your life in some pretty significant ways. Increasing your access to sunlight with more and larger windows facing the south could increase serotonin and help fight SAD. 

Even without the threat of SAD, increasing and regulating your serotonin is a great reason to increase your exposure to natural light. Improve your mood, increase endorphins, and feel more well-rested with sunlight. 

2. Reduce Bacteria in Your Home

Studies have shown that even with windows that reduce UV rays, like windows with a Low-E coating, bacteria is reduced in rooms with more natural light. In rooms that don’t have much wall space or rooms where privacy is key, like kitchens, bathrooms, and walk-in closets, a skylight will certainly suffice. 

Bacteria can contribute to poor indoor air quality which will affect your health. This is especially true for those with compromised immune systems and those with asthma. 

3. Reduce Eye Strain

Increase your comfort by reducing eye strain that can cause headaches and fatigue. Extended periods of artificial light will cause your eyes sustained strain because it can’t compete with the effectiveness of natural light. Interestingly, natural light can also reduce the risk of nearsightedness. So, choose to read near a window during the day rather than under a lamp. 

4. Stimulate Productivity

Air quality and natural light have a big impact on well-being, focus, and energy. If you find you’re feeling foggy at home but need to continue working, move your workspace to a spot with a large window. Sunlight exposure reduces melatonin production in the brain, staving off sleepiness. If melatonin levels are lower, you’ll stay alert more easily. Getting a little sunlight can boost alertness and allow you to retain focus. 

If you’re planning a home remodel or are in the market for replacement windows, consider the natural light availability in your home office. Larger, or more, windows will help you get through your work day with more energy. 

5. Benefit House Plants

Indoor plants have been shown to clean indoor air and boost mood by just being present. Just one plant won’t do the trick, however, so if you want to receive the benefits from plants, add a few to each room in your home. But how will all of those plants survive indoors? You’ll need plenty of sunlight. 

Windows that are lower to floor level are great for plants that sit directly on your floor. For smaller plants, you could use tables but also build out the window sill to create more surface for small potted plants to thrive. Take into consideration the sunlight level a plant can tolerate picking the best location in your home.  

6. Reduce Stress Levels and Anxiety

It’s become apparent that natural light has a significant effect on mood. By spending just 30 minutes every morning in natural light, your body can become better at coping with anxiety-provoking situations. This is because the regions in your brain that handle stress and anxiety are made to be more efficient when handling these responses, helping to stabilize your emotions. 

7. Reduce Blood Pressure

Sunlight alters the level of nitric oxide molecules in the skin and blood, which can reduce blood pressure. This happens when small amounts of nitric oxide transfer from the skin to your circulatory system during sun exposure, which lowers blood vessel tone and pressure. With regular, safe exposure, you’re warding off heart attack and stroke. 

8. Boost Your Immune System

As your body absorbs sunlight, it produces Vitamin D, which activates T-cells, strengthening your immune system. These white blood cells are the backbone of the immune system and fight infection. They’re mostly dormant and are best activated by Vitamin D when they’re needed to fight pathogens. 

Because most people spend a significant amount of time indoors during daylight hours, it’s important to get sunlight somehow. The best way to ensure more sunlight is by having enough windows in your home to let sunlight in. 

9. Get Better Sleep

Your circadian rhythm depends on natural light to keep it on a regular schedule. When to be asleep and when to wake up are triggered by light. Too little natural light will cause sleepiness and can throw off your inner clock. Keep your sleep schedule regular by opening your shades and curtains during the day to get more natural light. 

10. Save Money Through Energy Efficiency

Besides the health of your mind and body, more natural light can bring financial health as well. Using natural light in place of artificial light during the day will greatly reduce the energy your home uses. If a room doesn’t receive enough natural light to avoid artificial light, it may be time to install larger windows, a French door, or newer and clearer windows to increase natural light. 

11. Increase Home Value

Every prospective buyer looks for a light-filled home. Large windows, moving glass walls, and expanses of numerous windows will bathe your home in natural light and increase the value of your home. Besides the benefit of more natural light, bigger windows will also make a space feel larger than it is. 

How to Maximize Natural Lighting in Your Home

Often, simply opening the curtains isn’t enough to substantially increase natural light in the home. Old dingy windows, small windows, or oddly placed windows can greatly limit the amount of light a room receives. To increase natural light in your home, consider these replacement window solutions: 

• Picture windows for larger, uninterrupted panes of glass
• A row of three or more side-by-side windows for large walls
• Install smart shades so that they will automatically open when the sun rises
• Choose a moving glass wall to open the space between your kitchen or living area and your outdoor living area
• Replace standard-sized windows with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Keep new windows looking new and clear by cleaning them regularly

Replacement Windows Deliver Maximum Natural Light Year Round

The health and well-being you can experience from increased natural light indoors is a matter of science. Increase your exposure to natural light safely with Low-E windows that block harmful UV rays but let in all the natural light you need. Window and Door Showplace is a Virginia-based window and door professional installation company that’s been serving homeowners for decades. With the knowledge, skill, and brands that will improve your health and your home, we can help you choose the best products for every room in your home. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.