Can an Energy Efficient Skylight Reduce Utility Bills?

Considering a skylight window? There are many great reasons to choose one. Perhaps you want one to add to your home’s value. Or maybe this is the solution to bringing natural light into small spaces where you can’t install traditional windows. But one of the best reasons to install one is the energy efficiency of skylights.

How Can an Energy Efficient Skylight Reduce Utility Bills?

As we cover in our skylight window guide, skylights keep lighting costs low. In short, you use less energy to keep your home well-lit throughout the day by keeping your lights off.

However, to reduce your monthly bills, skylights must be carefully installed. Skylights cost more than many other window types. To earn back your initial investment and then start saving money, you need to make sure:

1. You have the right skylight for your roof slope.
2. Your skylight is properly insulated and sealed.

Improperly installed skylights can create drafts or add excess heat to your home. And those conditions can force your HVAC to work harder, driving up energy costs instead of reducing them.

What to Know About Roof Slope and Skylights

To keep your heating and cooling bills on an even keel, consider the slope of the skylight.

The right slope will depend on your home’s geographical location. Because of the sun’s movement throughout the day, a skylight that’s angled too low for your latitude can increase glare and raise the interior temperature of your home.

An experienced contractor should have experience working in your area and understand how location plays into your new skylight’s overall comfort factor.

Other Energy Concerns for Skylights

But that’s not the only way poorly-installed skylights dial up the energy expenses. Improper sealing and bad insulation can allow heating and air conditioning to slip through the cracks.

First off, you absolutely want to shop for an insulated skylight. The good news is that should not be a problem: most skylights come with insulation included in the glass and frames. So it’s mainly the area between the frame and the roof opening that you will need to worry about.

Your contractor should add cavity insulation around the skylight shaft. They should also put expandable foam insulation in any remaining gaps.

The Final Word on Skylights and Energy-Efficiency

Replacement skylight windows are a nice option for accenting your home and bringing in more light. They can also ventilate a room or even provide an escape route. They often pair well with other popular window types.

If you do decide to have a skylight window added to your home make sure that it is sealed with flashing. Also consider insulated glass and Low-e treatments to help keep your home insulated.