Owning a home costs a lot of money. In addition to mortgage payments, property taxes, and general maintenance, there is also the dreaded monthly electricity bill. Using electricity is unavoidable, but how much you use, can be modified. Here are some important ways that a skylight can save you money on your electricity bill.
Better than a window
Instead of turning on lamp, we use windows as a natural source of light. However, even better than a window is a skylight. Windows are hampered by their brightness by both external and internal elements. Outside, there are trees, fences, and even other houses that can block light from coming in through windows. Inside, there are blinds and curtains that block light. However, a skylight doesn’t have to contend with these issues. Instead, it can let in a maximum amount of natural light. With a skylight, you won’t need to turn on as many lights inside your house.
Tinted glass
Skylights are more than just panes of glass. In fact, many skylights have the option of having tinted glass. This is especially a good idea if you live in southern areas that have brighter sun exposure. Tinted glass in a skylight still lets in natural light. However, it reduces the amount of heat that enters your house. If you have to run the air conditioning as a result of a skylight, then that negates any electrical bill savings you might have discovered. Instead, look into the option of tinted glass so that a skylight can save you money year-round.
Low-emissivity
Further to tinted glass on a skylight, look into low-emissivity or low-e coatings. These coatings actually use a very thin layer of metal on the glass. As a result, non-solar heat is prevented from entering the home. The coating cannot be seen by a human eye, so it won’t affect the aesthetics of a skylight. As a bonus to how the low-e skylight can save you money, many electrical companies offer rebates if such coatings are applied in a home.
Location
Where you place your skylight will greatly affect how much money you save. This is where skylight experts come into play. Before a skylight is installed, they will ensure that the proper location is chosen. For the most part, skylights that are built on south facing roofs are the best for saving you money. This is because it will filter in heat during the winter months, while keeping heat out in the summer months. If your skylight can brighten your house while also warming or cooling it, then you will see a direct correlation in your electricity bill.
There are many factors to consider before installing a skylight, so be sure to have a thorough discussion with your skylight provider. They will probably have a lot of suggestions that you might not even have considered before.
