Why Skylights Are the Unsung Heroes Of The Green Living Movement

Bringing more natural light into your home can be a great way to improve the eco-efficiency of your home and lower your utility bills in the process. In addition to simple decorative changes, homeowners can install windows, glass blocks and skylight can increase the eco-efficiency to brighten up rooms and make them more inviting and comfortable.

Skylights work well in pretty much any area of the home. They are often used in darker spaces such as attics, basements, and hallways, where natural light is usually at a premium. While skylights are a great way to add to the overall aesthetic of your home, they can also be very effective in lowering your carbon footprint. With more natural light coming into your home, you will no longer need to rely as heavily on your AC unit to heat and cool your home and you won’t need to use artificial lighting in your home quite as much either.

Continue reading to learn more about how skylights can increase the eco-efficiency of your home.

Reduced Reliance On Artificial Lighting

By installing skylights in your home, you will reduce your reliance on artificial lighting. Light bulbs can take centuries to break down in landfill and, in Australia, not all recycling companies will accept glass bulbs and the same goes for LED bulbs. By installing skylights, homeowners can ensure that they are not contributing as much to this issue as they simply will not need to use and dispose of as many bulbs. When installed in the right places, skylights can be the main source of light during the day, and on a moonlit night, they can illuminate a room without the need for artificial light. This will also reduce the amount of energy you use in your home and save you money in the long term.

Controlled Lighting

Skylights give homeowners more control over how much sunlight comes into a room. Skylights come in a variety of styles and include a number of add-ons that make it possible for users to adjust the amount of light as needed. Retractable shades and skylight covers allow home and business owners to cover up the light source on particularly hot days meaning you can cool your home efficiently without needing to turn on your AC system or having to switch on fans around your home.

You can also decide on the angle of the skylight, which greatly impacts how much light comes into a room. The flatter that the skylight lays on the roof the lighter and heat that will come into the room. On the other hand, the more of an angle that the skylight is placed at, the less light that comes into the living space. Being able to control the amount of light like this makes your home more efficient and eco-friendlier, as you don’t need to rely on appliances to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Passive Heating

During cooler seasons, skylights can be a highly effective way of naturally bringing some extra warmth to a room. Because skylights allow direct sunlight to enter your home, you can warm a room quite effectively by leaving your skylight blinds open. Even if it is cold outside, if the sun is shining, the heat of the sun rays coming through your skylight will bring some warmth to your home. This will reduce your energy costs during the colder months, making your home more eco-efficient.

Natural Light and Sustainability

Using natural light can be a great way to ensure your home is more sustainable. Without the need to rely on air conditioning and heating systems that can use a lot of power, you will save energy and lower your household utility bills. You will also be able to light certain areas of your home more naturally by using skylights, meaning you don’t need to turn on the lights in your home and as a result, you produce less waste by using fewer bulbs. Ultimately, a skylight installation will lower your energy consumption, reduce your waste and allow you to naturally cool, warm and light your home, reducing your impact on the environment over time.