However, heat loss during the day cannot be avoided once the curtains are opened. This is where double glazing has the advantage, working both night and day without inhibiting the view.

Window Quality

Good quality windows are essential for a good quality home. Cheap windows wont work well, and will look shoddy in a very short time.

A good window is in the strength of its frame and this is determined by its thickness and size whether it be cedar, aluminium or treated timber.

Todays stringent glass codes ensure that all windows conform, or severe penalties apply to manufacturers.

Safety glass in doors, and windows beside doors, is part of this governing regulation.

Window Types

Lots of windows (large ones) provide natural light, and should also provide good ventilation. The best windows for ventilation are double hung, casement or sliding. These provide better ventilation than an awning or hopper window.

Awning or hoppers tend to trap hot air as they only open at the bottom and do not allow hot air to escape. However, hopper windows can be opened during wet weather, but at ground level children can easily strike their heads on an open window.

Double Glazing

Double glazing is an excellent way to control energy costs as well as reduce unwanted street noise. A double glazed window is up to 46% better at reducing external noise than single glazing and 27% better in preventing heat gain or loss in your home.

Skylights
Skylights can provide ample natural light, which can also be directed to the centre of the home. Skylights can also be used for ventilating the home during summer acting as a "thermal chimney" to exhaust hot air.

Care should be taken to ensure that skylights, if they face north, are double glazed and "leak proof", so that precious winter heating does not escape.

A double glazed skylight also reduces noise entering the home.