Residential homeowners want to know, “Are skylights energy efficient?” The answer is simple: Yes, undoubtedly and emphatically. Installing a skylight is one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally conscious decisions a homeowner can make.
In today’s fast-changing world, where green and eco-friendly choices reflect a consumer’s willingness to protect the environment, adding a technological, innovative, cutting-edge skylight represents a move forward to demonstrating social responsibility.
Are Skylights Energy Efficient?
Skylights are not automatically energy efficient, but most have the potential to provide energy efficiency. Established, reputable skylight manufacturers such as VELUX significantly emphasize producing only energy-efficient products for homeowners. How a skylight is installed matters to the degree of energy efficiency it offers.
A skylight needs to be oriented in a particular way to maximize solar heat gain and other benefits, including the most natural light. For example, a skylight installed on a north-facing roofing surface in a cooler in a northern climate may not deliver the energy efficiency qualities of optimal solar energy intake or sunlight that one installed on a south-facing roofing surface would.
Each skylight has an energy performance rating. This grading system results from energy performance testing, certification, and labeling through the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The NFRC label is customarily found on all ENERGY STAR-qualified skylights, the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency.
Homeowners should select a skylight based on their local climate and the home’s layout and design. ENERGY STAR has provided minimum energy performance rating criteria based on climate. Use this information to assist in your decision-making process. Additionally, skylight glazing technology may be used for solar heat control.
The physical dimensions of your skylight significantly affect the illumination level in interior spaces and the indoor temperature. A skylight should not exceed 5% of the floor area in a room with three or more windows. A skylight should not exceed 15% of the floor area in a room with two or fewer windows, especially if the windows are smaller.
8 Benefits Of Installing A VELUX Skylight
For good reason, VELUX is the most popular brand of skylights nationally. VELUX sets the standard for variety. Solar-powered, fresh-air skylights? Yes. Electric fresh-air skylights? Yes. Manual fresh-air skylights? Yes. Large skylights? Yes. Sun tunnel skylights? Yes. Flat roof skylights? Yes. Lightweight skylights? Yes. Easy access skylights? Yes. No matter what type of skylight you need, VELUX has the solution for you!
1. Deliver Superior Privacy
Many homeowners cannot add new windows without sacrificing privacy. Their homes may be situated in neighborhoods where privacy is paramount. A VELUX skylight offers the advantages of a window without diminishing a homeowner’s ability to preserve privacy.
2. Enhance Interior Ventilation
Many of VELUX’s skylight options offer access to fresh air because they open with the touch of a button or by turning a handle. These skylights function as a veritable means of ventilation, and all homes benefit from efficient ventilation.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality
A stuffy home is a breeding ground for multiple respiratory irritants, including bacteria, dust mites, pet dander, pollens, and molds. A VELUX skylight offers a viable alternative by enabling fresh air to cleanse the indoor air of these micropollutants naturally and effectively.
4. Increase Access To Natural Light
Natural sunshine provides numerous health benefits, including boosting Vitamin D absorption and improved focus, memory, and productivity. A VELUX skylight, especially in a dark or poorly lit space, helps a home’s occupants attain greater exposure to natural light.
5. Maximize Interior Spaces
Homeowners often don’t use attics because these spaces lack adequate lighting. A VELUX skylight helps homeowners take advantage of attic space instead of wasting it. For example, a VELUX Sun Tunnel enables a homeowner to work around attic obstructions.
6. Offer A Cost-Effective Solution
A VELUX skylight is an affordable solution to lighting, ventilation, and indoor air quality issues. Invest in a VELUX skylight rather than installing expensive indoor lighting, constructing a new ventilation system, or purchasing an air circulation system.
7. Promote Sustainable Living
Today’s homeowners seek viable ways to promote sustainable living through environmentally conscious decision-making. As the world leader in skylights, VELUX promotes accessing natural light as an alternative to excess electricity consumption.
8. Provide Valuable Tax Credits
Many VELUX skylight products are eligible for a federal solar tax credit. (In 2024, that credit is 30%.) For example, VELUX’s solar-powered “fresh air” skylights and other skylights associated with “Go Solar” can qualify for this valuable credit through 2034.
Installing A Skylight With A Knowledgeable Roofing Professional
For homeowners in Norwood, MA, and surrounding areas throughout Greater Boston, including Westwood, Dedham, Dover, Medfield, and Canton, O’LYN Roofing offers unparalleled expert roofing services, including skylight installation.
If you have questions about VELUX skylights, we provide answers that will assist you and help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to learn more about our roofing services or to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate.
