Blackstone Exteriors

With so many technologies and options available in the market today, the choice to have larger windows is now becoming common in average-sized homes. However, only a handful of homeowners consider the energy efficiency of their home when choosing a window size. Larger windows can make your home extremely hot during the summer, and it may be hard to keep it warm during the winter. Here are three tips on choosing the correct window size for your home.

1. Identify the Direction of the Sun

To capture enough heat during the winter months and to ensure that there isn’t too much heat during the winter, it’s best to identify from where the sun is coming. The sun’s orientation is where you should put your larger windows. This will now be the area of your home that the sun will heat up during winter. For the warmer months, installing an awning is a great way to prevent the sunlight from directly entering your home.

The windows on the opposite side of the sun’s orientation should be small. This area will not receive direct sunlight during winter, but will in the early morning and late afternoon during the summer. These windows will help reduce heat from escaping your home during winter and reduce heat gain during summer. Those facing the west and east, meanwhile, should be kept small and well-shaded. This will help minimize extremely hot room temperatures during summer and reduce heat from escaping during the winter.

2. Check Thermal Mass

Thermal mass is the ability of the material to absorb heat energy. Windows with larger glass areas should have higher levels of thermal energy compared to the others. Frames with lightweight materials carry low thermal mass. Checking for thermal mass and choosing the best material for each window can make a difference for your comfort and heating and cooling bills.

3. Find out the Acceptable Limits

There are also building codes and regulations for minimum glass area for rooms. Confirm with your local building authority to see how much is required for each habitable room in your home.

Blackstone Exteriors provides high-quality roofing, gutter and window services in the area. As an experienced exterior home improvement contractor, our responsibility is making sure that your goals and plans are done in the best manner possible. Call us now at (515) 344-1323, or fill out our contact form for a consultation.