It is very evident that the larger your window, the more natural light it will bring in. Depending on the positioning of your windows, and its visible transmittance (VT) value, your windows could provide you with enough natural light to greatly minimize if not eliminate electric lighting requirements during daytime.
VT values are generally given between 0-1. A rating of over 0.70 is the highest you can get with clear glass windows devoid of any coatings or tints. The more the number of panes, coatings and tints the lower the VT value.
A high Visible Transmittance has another advantage – it eliminates the cooling function which is usually required in a house that uses electric lighting. A high VT value is especially important when a home is built using passive house principles or design.
However, one thing to consider when it comes to VT, is that a window with a high VT value, will also admit that much more solar energy (heat) inside the room. Thus, a clear glass window with a VT of 0.8 will also have an SHGC of over 0.60 – something not at all desirable in a warm or sunny climate.
To get around this, one can use Low E coatings, which are invisible, and yet block heat gain considerably. These coatings also protect indoor furniture and upholstery from the damaging effects of UV rays. Another way is to have operable windows that you can open up to air the room out frequently. Needless to say, a good ventilation system is important when you have large windows and a sunny climate.
For windows that are low on SHGC and high on VT, look for a high Light-to-Solar gain ratio. This determines how much more light is let in without adding to the heat.

Comments are closed.