IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF NATURAL LIGHT IN YOUR HOME Easy Natural Lighting Upgrade Offers Homeowners Triple Benefit

Homeowners can save money on energy costs, protect furniture from fading, and gain the healthful benefits of more balanced natural light simply by replacing inefficient plastic bubble skylights with modern, energy-efficient glass models.
A study from VELUX America shows an energy cost savings of nearly $200 annually from a simple replacement process that can be accomplished quickly and easily by a homeowner with basic tools.
"There are millions of cracked and yellowing plastic skylights out there," says Mark Richardson, president of Case Handyman Services, “and many good reasons to replace them. There is less noise, no leaking or drafts, and it's a better-looking product both inside and out. Also, flat-glass skylights offer a clear view, have aesthetic advantages, and provide tremendous endurance to withstand extreme weather,” says Richardson.
Quality models feature a double layer of Low-E coating to provide additional thermal performance, preventing heat gain in the summer months and heat loss during the winter, thereby reducing cooling and heating bills. *
To replace a plastic bubble skylight simply remove the fasteners from the skylight frame with a screwdriver or hammer and remove the bubble from the curb (the mount attached to the roof which holds the skylight).
If there is sealant on top of the curb, remove and clean the surface with a knife or chisel. Finally, position the replacement unit on the curb and fasten with the screws provided with the new unit.

Additional energy savings can be achieved if the model chosen offers a shade to further minimizes heat gain or loss while softening direct sunlight.
Replacement skylights meeting requirements of the Energy Star® program are available in convenient sizes to fit approximately 90 percent of all existing installations. Retail pricing begins in the low $100s.
And now is a particularly good time to consider upgrading existing skylights or adding new units to qualify for a tax credit of up to $200 under the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005.
For more on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection call
1-800-283-2831 or visit www.veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.

* $194 annual saving on cooling cost based on $0.15 electric cooling kwh/hr. Comparing one VELUX FCM skylight to one plastic dome skylight (4’ by 4’ sizes) on a 2,000 sq. ft. home.

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Image caption – Plastic bubble skylight replacement with clear, energy-efficient glass is economical and easily accomplished by homeowners with basic tools.

VELUX America Information Series No. 4/06 – Skylight Replacement – Apx. 400 Words – 2nd Qt. - 2006

Media contact:
Keith Hobbs - Business Services Associates, Inc. - 9413 Greenfield Drive
Raleigh, NC 27615-2306 - Phone – 919.844.0064 - E-mail – khobbs@nc.rr.com

For quick access to natural light feature material and background information, news releases, press kits and high-resolution images visit www.veluxusa.com and go to the News Media Home section under “Professionals.”