The median price of a home in San Diego is $596,300. In Orange County, that number goes up to $730,500. California homeowners know that their homes are real investments—so how do you maximize it?
Making inexpensive updates and staying on top of maintenance are two of the best ways to ensure that you’ll turn a profit if and when you’re ready to sell your home. If you want to tackle two birds with one stone, why not install a picture window?
A picture window isn’t just a beautiful feature that will transform any room into a modern, brightly lit oasis. There are tons of practical benefits, as well!
Read on to find out 7 reasons that a picture window will do wonders for your home
What are Picture Windows?
A picture window, in the simplest terms, defines the area of view you have of the outside world. A picture window's ability to reduce energy use comes at the expense of reduced ventilation and circulation. Plus, most picture windows include a huge glass panel that lets in a ton of natural light.
Picture windows are available in various sizes and may be installed on virtually any wall. Picture windows can be mulled together so several can be installed on a single wall. Image windows can thus be pretty big, with only structural constraints limiting their maximum dimensions. Picture windows might be used to create a whole glass wall. A picture window might answer your home improvement prayers if you need more natural light and a commanding view of the outdoors. They are also considered one of the best windows for oceanfront properties. These properties have the best views and take in lots of sunlight. Just what picture windows are for.
How are Pictures Windows Different from Fixed Windows?
People often confuse picture windows with fixed windows, yet they are quite different. There are windows in each for ventilation, but other than that, the designs and intended purposes are very different. The point of installing picture windows is to have a clear, unobstructed view of the outside. These windows feature a minimal frame surrounding a sizable piece of transparent glass.
The fixed window industry frequently takes design cues from other industries. As an example, a fixed casement window mimics the appearance of a casement window but cannot be opened or closed. All of the home's fixed-window frames should be of the same design and depth.
Benefits of Investing In Picture Windows
Below we'll discuss the reasons why picture windows are worth investing into.
1. Let There Be Light
We all love a well-lit home, and natural lighting is the best way to go.
There are tons of health benefits to receiving more natural light. Natural light gives you an extra dosage of vitamin D, which in turn will boost your bone health and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. It also helps in the fight against seasonal depression and is thought to improve sleep. Finally, a picture window lowers the need for fluorescent lighting throughout the day, which can cause headaches and other problems.
2. Maximize Your View
California is a beautiful state, so why disrupt the view?
Picture windows are large and screenless, giving you a crystal clear view of your gorgeous, sunny California property from the comfort of your home. In fact, picture windows are so elegant that they turn your view into, well, a picture! Watch the seasons change, the sunset, and the birds fly as though you have a living art piece in your home.
A picture window in the bedroom will let in natural light and give a stunning view of the outside world as you rest. The views of nature, whether a lush forest, a charming farm, or immaculate landscaping, never fail to put a smile on one's face. Nature, too, has many hidden depths and complexities. Spending time in natural environments has positively affected health and well-being. Those suffering from mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD may find solace in time spent in natural environments. Instead of going on a stroll or caring to a garden, you may sit by a window and take in the sights and sounds of the outside world.
3. Save on Maintenance
Windows that open have a lot of components that need repair over time. The seals wear down from the friction of opening and closing the window. The screens can tear and the hinges can become rusted or break.
A picture window is simple. The only thing you need to worry about is the glass and the seal, which go through far less wear and tear since they’re fully stationary.
4. Lower Your Energy Bill
It costs a lot to keep your home cool in the summer. Windows with deteriorating seals can let that cool air out and let the warmth in.
A sturdy picture window won’t have any draft, which means that it will be a lot easier to maintain a steady temperature in your home without constantly adjusting the dial on your AC unit! For extra protection, you can opt to use insulated glass—without adding an enormous extra fee to your bill!
Picture windows, when correctly installed, offer great insulation, allowing you to enjoy your house in all its coziness, even during the colder months. They have less of a risk of air or water intrusion because they cannot be operated and have sealed edges. Double glazing and low-E coating are two add-ons you may choose from to improve your picture window's thermal performance and energy efficiency.
5. Gain Natural Heat in the Winter
San Diego winters are fairly mild. The average high in January is 65, so it’s unsurprising that many homes in San Diego and the surrounding areas don’t come equipped with built-in central heating. That being said, the average lows in the winter fall below 50 degrees, which means that it can, in fact, get chilly!
As we’ve mentioned, a picture window lets in plenty of light. Due to its size, it can also create heat gain, which means that you get both the heat transmitted through radiation and through conduction. It won’t cause enough warmth that it will disrupt the temperature created by your AC unit, but it just might add a bit of coziness in the winter.
6. Make Cleaning a Breeze
As we’ve mentioned, there are fewer components needed for a picture window than for a standard window. When it comes to cleaning, that means that you’ll have fewer nooks and crannies to worry about!
No longer will you need to break out all of the vacuum attachments to suck up the debris that has made its way between the screen and the windowpane. Nor will you have to worry about all the dust and grime that builds up in the tracks because there are no tracks! All you’ll need is some glass cleaner and a sponge or rag, and you’ll have crystal clear views once more!
7. Modernize with Minimalism
One of the staples of modern interior design is minimalism. For some of us, it can be hard to leave an open space bare or resist the urge to over-use bold colors.
A picture window can take up a large amount of wall space, which will instantly make the room appear larger, less cluttered, and more minimalistic. The designs are sleek and modern but with their simplicity, they can pair well with any kind of interior design.
Go for the classic square or rectangular panes for a neat, clean look. Alternatively, get creative with pointed statement panes that will make your picture window even more visually stimulating!
Just think of how amazing your decor and furniture will look when bathed in the bright, natural light shining through your new picture window!
8. Makes Your Space Look Bigger
More light and space may be brought into a room with huge picture windows in the dining or living area. It is important to keep in mind that efficient construction and usage of the space are necessary for maximizing this advantage. Adjust the placement of your furniture and install some stylish drapes to complement those windows. So, find the best rooms to install picture windows and enjoy the view.
9. Complements Other Design Elements
A picture window is a great way to make use of empty wall space. They have the potential to completely open up a space or illuminate any dark corners of a wall. Putting in a large picture window in place of a traditional double-hung window in a closed-off living room, for instance, can give the impression of a brand-new construction. For instance, a picture window in a room with a slanted ceiling lets in additional light while drawing attention to the added height of the room. These windows will make your home pop. If you ever decide to sell your house, it is sure to attract more buyers, especially in California. So make them fall in love with the house.
Find a Picture Window That’s Perfect for Your Home
If you live in San Diego or Southern Orange County, California, and you’re in the market for a gorgeous picture window, consider calling US Window & Door.
We offer high-quality window units and send out the best in the business to install them for you. On top of that, we promise to keep your floors safe and clean during installation, to get every measurement right, and to replace any materials that become damaged during installation free of charge!
Contact us today to get a free estimate for your picture window. This beautiful piece is sure to maximize the investment you made when you purchased your house. In fact, with such a beautiful picture window, you may never want to leave!
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