5 Reasons to Install Large Windows Throughout the Home

How large windows benefit your home

Want to give your home a boost to its curb appeal or make it more comfortable and inviting for you and your family? Sounds like it's time for a home renovation! But what should you upgrade or replace? Sure, you could swap out one or two doors for new ones. Or you could try a few front yard landscaping projects.

We have a better suggestion. If you have some extra cash, you might consider installing large windows in the living room and other key locations throughout your home, like your dining room or kitchen. Big windows make exceptional home improvements for lots of great reasons.

What are the benefits of installing large windows for a living room or throughout a home?

Don't see the practical or aesthetic appeal? Let us guide you through five major reasons why new large windows should be your next home upgrade.

1. Large windows provide natural light

By far, the most noticeable benefit of installing large windows is all the extra light you'll get throughout the day. It’s even better if your home is north or south-facing – that way, you'll get about the same amount of natural light throughout the day instead of being drenched in sunshine in the morning and missing it come evening.

But in any case, putting a few large windows in the right spots lets you leave your lights off most of the time. Natural light helps your home look its best, keeps your circadian rhythm balanced if you’re inside all day, and connects you to the outdoors. Speaking of which…

2. Large windows show off picturesque views

Large windows, especially those installed in the living room, kitchen, and bedroom, can bring nature to you in a very real way. Have a gorgeous backyard or front yard you’ve fixed up over the years? Why not enjoy it, even in the cold winter months, with big glass windows?

If you live in a beautiful environment, large glass windows are even more important – mountain and beachfront homes in particular benefit from the installation of a few quality windows at key spots.

3. Large windows expand your living space

Large windows don’t just figuratively expand your space – they literally do so, provided you install the right windows in the right places!

Imagine a sliding glass window that connects the kitchen or dining room to your back porch and well-decorated yard. Or picture windows that you can fold up and back to unite the interior of your home to your exterior property: the ideal setup for a family get-together, fun barbecue, or relaxing evening at home to watch the sunset.

Blended indoor/outdoor spaces go perfectly with Mason City’s predominantly prairie-style architecture. If your home has this style, large windows may let you expand your home in more ways than one.

4. Large windows can improve energy efficiency in the winter

You already know that Mason City can get pretty frigid in winter. But did you know that large glass windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency – potentially saving you money on your electric bill?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn this. That’s because large windows have a bad reputation for being energy inefficient. Large windows, the story goes, let too much heated air escape into the cold outdoors.

But that’s not a problem with large windows overall. It’s a problem with insulation. Thin and single glass panes or incorrectly/poorly installed frames are the true culprits. If you pick out the right large glass windows, you may find that they improve your home’s temperature.

How? Put simply, large windows let in more sunlight, which warms your home in the winter as the sun climbs into the sky. All that extra light means your heater must work less intensely to keep your house nice and toasty, even if there’s snow outdoors.

5. Large windows can increase the resale value of your home

Large glass windows don’t just provide immediate benefits to you and your family. They might also let you pocket some extra cash months or years down the road.

When properly installed, big windows improve your home's resale value by enhancing its curb appeal. For many prospective home buyers, nothing is more attractive than large living room windows or a big window in the dining room. Both showcase a home's spacious interior and easily allow home buyers to imagine themselves enjoying a family night or eating a delicious meal inside.

Because of this tendency, installing large replacement windows could very well lead to you making more money if you decide to sell your property in the future. With that extra money, you could easily fund another renovation project at your next home or upgrade to a larger house! 

Are Large Windows Always Energy Efficient?

As noted above, you have to pick the right large glass windows if you want to guarantee energy efficiency and keep your heating bill from increasing. The best energy-efficient windows:

• Are usually fixed, like picture windows, arch windows, and so on.
• Come with energy-efficient double-pane glass. The more glass layers a window has, the better it insulates your home.

If you really want big glass windows that you can open in the spring and summer, opt for hinged windows like casement windows or awning windows (which open vertically and horizontally, respectively).

Choosing the right large windows for your home

As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to add a few large windows to your house with your next living room renovation project. That said, you should take care to pick the right windows for your space, both to make sure they’re energy efficient and to ensure they mesh well with the rest of your home’s aesthetic style.

You’ll need to choose the types of big windows you want to install, as well as how big the windows should be, and finally determine where they should be placed. Some popular options include: 

• Picture windows, one of the most popular window styles and are ideal choices to showcase beautiful landscapes. Even better, they’re big parts of Mason City’s prairie-style architecture, so they’ll fit right in with your local neighborhood.
• Casement and awning windows to let in light and fresh air in equal measure.
• Architectural shape windows, such as arched windows, geometric windows, and more.
• Bay/bow windows, which transform the front of your house and add a bit of extra decorative or recreational space inside.
• Classic double-hung windows, which are perfect for many bedrooms.

That’s a lot of choices! Above all else, you’ll also need to contact licensed professionals to install your windows properly and securely.

Mason City homeowners don’t have to look far. Window World’s Mason City showroom has examples of each of the above windows. Contact Window World of Mason City today for more information and even get a free quote!