What is the primary reason large windows in northern climates should face south?

The primary reason large windows in northern climates should face south is to capture winter sunlight. In these regions, sunlight can be scarce during the colder months, and south-facing windows maximize the amount of direct sunlight entering the home. This not only helps to naturally heat the interior spaces, reducing reliance on artificial heating sources, but it can also improve the overall comfort and ambiance by providing natural light. The ability to harness and utilize solar energy becomes particularly advantageous in winter, as it helps to offset heating costs and enhances the energy efficiency of buildings.

While aesthetic appeal, ventilation, and noise reduction may also be considerations in architectural design, they do not address the primary functional benefit in colder climates, which is the strategic capture of sunlight to aid in heating and lighting the home during winter months.