An older home feature that’s seeing some resurgence lately is the transom window, also known as transom lights or the rectangular/semicircular window situated above doors or other traditional windows. While transom windows are now mostly sought after for their visual appeal, some of their past benefits could make them game changers in the modern home. Scientists, psychologists, and homeowners alike are realizing the value of natural lighting. Let’s discuss some of the impacts natural lighting has on our bodies, and how home designers are working to bring more of the sunshine inside.

Why is Natural Lighting so Important?
Natural lighting has a powerful impact on humans, their bodies, their minds, their overall health, and even their quality of sleep. This all starts with a nutrient called vitamin D, or “the sunshine vitamin.” 

Notably, the sun’s rays do not contain vitamin D. Rather, the sun’s ultraviolet B rays (UVB) making contact with your skin is what instructs your body to generate its own vitamin D. According to health and wellness experts at Healthline, vitamin D deficiency has actually been linked to osteoporosis, cancer, muscle weakness, and depression. Exposure to the sun, on the other hand, has been linked to improved focus, productivity, and a better circadian rhythm (our internal clock). 

How Can Homes Get More Natural Light?
Transom windows are one great throwback option that homeowners may be wise to implement into their renovation plans. Transom windows are very effective at making entrances feel more welcoming and at drawing visual interest upwards into areas that can sometimes be ignored. Other windows are a fantastic move as well, whether that’s with skylights, bay windows, or full curtain walls.

Of course, adding extra windows isn’t always an option depending on how the home is configured, so one interesting (and maybe a little odd) alternative to just more windows is something called a “sun tunnel.” To put it simply, a sun tunnel is a long, reflective tube that feeds sunlight directly into the home through the roof. Sun tunnels are an option that tends to shock homeowners by just how bright they can make interior rooms.

Other options for adding sunlight indoors that require less renovation work include painting with brighter, reflective colors (especially white), rearranging furniture to cause less light disruption, and adding more mirrors.

Natural lighting has clear physiological and psychological benefits for the human body, and homes that have plenty of natural lighting can even discourage mold from growing indoors! For a healthier and happier home, be sure to add a few of these options to your home improvement plans!

What’s wrong with this picture?

This one’s pretty obvious: a stack of wood and cinderblocks is not something you want to see down in a crawl space. This typically means that a quick DIY fix has been made in an attempt to support a crawl space that’s showing signs of sagging under the weight of the home. 

Your home’s electrical system is a crucial component, and it needs regular monitoring for efficiency and safety. Be on the lookout for the following potential hazards:

1. Loose Outlets
A loose wall outlet may seem like a minor annoyance, but it can quickly turn into a serious problem. Years of constantly using an outlet can wear it down, causing whatever you plug into it to slip out. When a plug isn’t secure, it causes the connection to arc in your wall. This then creates a spark that can either shock you or start a fire within your home. The good news is that old outlets can be repaired easily and fairly inexpensively.

2. Cracked or Missing Covers
Missing or cracked outlet covers are more than just a cosmetic concern. Pets or young children could be injured from a powerful shock. An exposed outlet also means that the wiring and box behind aren’t protected, allowing the box to move around freely and sever the surrounding wires. Replacing a cover is another simple repair, and it’s also one to take care of quickly to prevent any safety issues.

3. Power Surges
A surge in your home can have several causes, like a lightning strike or even overloading an outlet. Older homes are especially susceptible to power surges if they haven’t been recently updated. While it’s possible to resolve a surging problem yourself, it’s best to get it looked at by a professional. An inspector will check your wiring and any connected devices and recommend a solution.

4. Flickering or Dim Lights
Flickering and dim lights can be a side effect of frequent power surges, but there are other causes to consider, like a loose bulb in a lamp or ceiling light. Check that all your lights are screwed in tightly and that they’re the correct wattage for the fixture. If you’re still experiencing a problem, it could be from frayed or corroded wires. This is another instance where it’s best to call for backup as soon as possible.

5. Extreme Usage
Swap out older fixtures and bulbs for more energy-efficient ones to cut down your usage. While it might be expensive to redo your home’s wiring, it should be at the top of your list. Not only will you save money in the long run, you’ll also help protect yourself and your home from an electrical emergency.