The Right Windows Help You Cut Your Electric Light Use

As THE replacement window company for the Minneapolis area, we specialize in energy-efficient windows. Of course, when people hear the term ‘energy efficient,’ most likely they think of heating and cooling.  But did you know there’s a third energy savings you may not be considering?  That’s right.  Today’s modern replacement windows can help you cut your electric bill by reducing the need for having lights on during the day.

Whether you’re spending lots of time at home in daylight hours or are just there occasionally, choosing the right replacement windows could substantially reduce the need to have lights turned on when you need illumination.  Sunlight has plenty of health benefits – physical, mental, and emotional – that artificial lighting doesn’t.

What Windows Are Best for Maximizing Natural Sunlight?

The two main categories of windows that can let in lots of sunlight in comparison to similar windows are window style and frame material.

• Some window styles let in more light than other styles in the same size opening.  Picture windows of course top the list because there are no internal grids or dividing sashes.  The downside of this window style is that the window can’t be opened, so you get no air flow. Operable windows that do a great job of letting in sunlight are casements and slider (or glider) windows due to the lack of sashes breaking up the glass.  Also, bay windows, bow windows, and greenhouse (or garden) windows do a fantastic job because they let in light from multiple directions.  However, they have sashes and grids that may reduce the amount of light.
• The other element is the material the window frame is made from.  Fiberglass windows (such as the ones we install from Marvin) are generally thinner than frames made from another material such as wood or vinyl.  Fiberglass has exceptional strength compared to other window frames and therefore a thinner frame can be used.  We also install thin frame windows from Weather Shield.  Shown here are windows from their VUE Collection, and these windows have some of the slimmest profile frames on the market.
  

There are other things you can do with windows (as well as doors) that can ramp up the amount of sunlight streaming into your home during the day.  Watch our blog for our upcoming posts in using multiple window styles together to create a ‘wall of glass’ as well as combining windows with doors.

Window Outfitters, Inc. is THE replacement window company for the greater Minneapolis metro area, and we are proud to be authorized installers for window brands like Marvin, Weather Shield, and others.

 

 

 

 

 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.