IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF NATURAL LIGHT IN YOUR HOME

In today’s homes, many of which are on small lots with close-by neighbors, privacy is sometimes hard to find without closing the doors and covering the windows. And privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity. What’s the answer? Simply look up.

With natural light from above, homeowners can have privacy plus more wall space for storage or decorating (where windows would normally be), added ventilation, and health benefits that come with more natural light.

According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager for VELUX America, venting skylights provide those benefits and more. “In bathrooms especially,” Patrick says, “venting skylights reduce condensation build-up while providing a beautiful view of the sky above, without affording anyone the opportunity to see in. Plus you get the use of wall space where a window isn’t necessary for decorating or another form of space utilization.”

According to research from American Standard, skylights are selected as the number one option in “dream bathrooms.” And modern skylights offer as many, or more, features for managing light than standard windows. For the ultimate in convenience, electric venting skylights are available with remote control, blinds, shades, awnings, insect screening and automatic rain sensors. There are also models available with electrochromic glass that can be darkened by remote control to reduce light and solar gain without restricting the view of the sky.

“And,” Patrick says, “while homeowners are considering skylights, they should remember that venting skylights in the kitchen can release hot air and odors while providing more balanced light for brighter days and more pleasant cooking and dining.”

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Page 2 of 2 – Skylight Privacy

Skylights also address important health considerations. One in five Americans suffers varying degrees of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition in which the symptoms can include depression and fatigue due to lack of sufficient daylight. Skylights can help by admitting abundant daylight while visually expanding rooms in any style or size home.

Perhaps, for whatever reason, you can’t use a traditional skylight. For simple, quick installation in areas where larger skylights may not be needed or just won’t fit, a VELUX SUN TUNNEL™ skylight can easily provide abundant natural light in smaller bathrooms, entry areas or hallways, pantries, walk-in closets or other smaller, confined areas. In addition to highly reflective rigid tunnels, they also offer flexible tunnels that fit around virtually any attic obstructions, such as HVAC equipment, from the roof to the ceiling.
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 skylight selection literature 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.