Skylights are a fabulous way to let in light throughout your home. But skylights may not be the best investment when it comes to your home’s HVAC system and efficiency.
Here are some of the disadvantages of skylights:
- In summertime, skylights can let in too much light and heat up a room.
- In the winter, air leaks around skylights can create heat loss. Skylights need to be checked for deteriorating seals and caulked to prevent air leaks.
- Skylight moisture leaks can damage the home or roof.
- Skylights need occasional cleaning to clear away dirt and leaves.
When it comes to skylights and energy efficiency, there are some things you can do to prevent energy loss.
Energy-Efficient Skylights
Choose skylights with technology that reduces energy loss, including these types:
- Insulated glazing
- Heat-absorbing tints
- Low-emissivity coatings
You can also choose a skylight with translucent insulation material (an aerogel) between the several layers to boost efficiency.
Some of the more advanced skylight technology includes these innovations:
- Sun-tracking, open-sided cylinders
- Large lens-like elements
- Mirrored reflectors that are adjacent to a conventional skylight. These provide daylight without heat gain or loss.
Some skylights provide ventilation as well as light, and can be operated with a crank, chain or pole. There are also automated units with pneumatic devices or electric motors. Some models have moisture sensors, which automatically close the skylight if it rains.
Skylights and the HVAC
While some of these special energy-efficient features may seem like an extravagance, keep in mind that skylights not only affect your comfort, but will also have an impact on your utility bills.
For more on skylights and energy efficiency, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We can schedule all your HVAC repair, maintenance and upgrade needs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
