A person seated or standing adjacent to a cold window will lose substantial body heat in the form of radiation to that window surface. Intense sun through a window can be equally uncomfortable, as can drafts of cold air. On the other hand, gentle breezes through open windows bring effective relief to occupants during the cooling season. Windows provide this vital link to the exterior environment. Windows also enhance visual comfort by admitting daylight, although daylight can also produce discomforting glare at times.
Intelligent design can minimize or eliminate glare problems.
When closed, windows act as filters for outside noise while still allowing for visual contact with the outside. This is especially true of some gas filled windows. When open, windows give occupants the full benefit of sounds from the outside environment. Last updated December 31, 1995.