June 19th, 2009 
Tushar Mathur The healthiest and most environment friendly way to save energy is to let the natural light come in the home during the day. Natural light should be controlled and spread properly all over the house. Letting in sunlight is good for your health also.
For allowing natural light windows play a very vital role. The size and location of windows must be based on the basic directions. South-facing windows are most useful for day lighting which allows nearly all winter sunlight into the home. North-facing windows also allow natural light but produces little glare without any unwanted summer heat.
East and west facing windows give daylight penetration in the morning and evening respectively. However, it may cause lot of heat entering the house during the summer when it is generally not liked, and give little time for solar heating during the winter days.
If you are ready to let the sunshine in, here are some tips that will help you maximize natural light in your home:
1. Employ light-colored and loosely woven curtains.
2. Use only glossy paints that reflect more light and make rooms brighter.
3. More light is reflected by polished and shiny floors. Remove the carpet because it absorbs light.
4. Dark colors absorb the light whereas bright colors reflect light. We can use white colors to reflect the light.
5. Install skylights on the sides of your house that receives the most daytime sunlight and in areas or rooms that get used frequently.
6. Installing blinds also maximize natural light in the home.
7. Remove barrier from the outsides of windows. Trim dense hedges, shrubs, cut tree branches, move veranda furniture.
8. Keep windows clean to increase the amount of natural light.
One major reason for maximization of natural light is the will to go green and reduce our carbon footstep. Taking advantage of the natural light means turning off the lights and also has the added benefit of being good for your health. Not only does sunlight helps to produce vitamin D, but has also been shown to ease the sign of depression, especially during winter months.
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