There was a time when installing skylights in one’s home was considered a luxury purchase. Skylights were not thought of as a need, but rather, a want. A skylight is a window, therefore, all the advantages associated with energy-efficient windows applies to them as well. Here are a few of the benefits and attributes of skylights. Contact The Window Depot for more information.
* Natural Lighting -; Skylights in Tucson let in natural light known as ambient lighting, reducing the need for electric lighting. The use of the sun’s natural light as a replacement for electricity reduces energy use and costs and cuts down on the demand for unsustainable resources. Skylights balance and help evenly distribute light in a room by reducing glare.
* Energy Efficient -; As with any window, choosing the most appropriate skylight helps increase the energy efficiency of a home or business by reducing its energy usage. This is especially important when it comes to heat transfer and taking advantage of passive solar heating. In order to do this, skylights must be strategically located and shaded during the summer months. Southern-facing skylights provide passive solar heat through the winter months whereas west-facing skylights add to a home’s cooling costs in the summer.
* Ventilation -; Skylights that open either manually or electrically are considered to be sources of passive air conditioning. Through an exhaust effect, warm air is pull up through the vented skylight, resulting in a cooling effect and fresh air distributed through the house or building. This results in reduced energy costs by reducing the need for fans and air conditioning.
* Coatings and Frames -; Choose skylights with low e-coatings to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Choosing the appropriate low-E coating for your geographic area goes a long way in improving energy efficiency. Choose wood, fiberglass, or vinyl frames instead of steel or aluminum. Better yet, choose insulated frames if your budget allows.
Skylights in Tucson have evolved over the years and are available in many styles, shapes, and configurations. Along with the traditional roof bubble, skylights come in ridge, pyramid, octagon, vault and greenhouse styles. Skylights tunnels are even available for rooms where before skylights were not possible such as interior bathrooms, closets, hallways -; any interior room without unobstructed access to the roof.
