Did you know you have options when it comes to skylights? These are the good, better, and best ways to add skylights to your home.
Good: Fixed Skylights
Fixed skylights are the most traditional form of skylights and probably the first thing you think of when you think about skylights. To say they are "fixed" means they do not open. They are simple, often rectangular windows positioned on your roof for maximum daylight.
What Makes Them Good
Fixed skylights are a good skylight option because they bring more natural light to a space than vertical windows are able to provide. With natural light throughout the day, you can rely less on artificial light and give your electric bill a bit of a break. VELUX Fixed Skylights can also come equipped with light-filtering or room-darkening shades* for additional light control and energy efficiency.
Better: Manual Venting Skylights
Manual venting skylights open slightly to allow fresh air to flow through the skylight. The "manual" part means they are manually operated. Manual venting skylights installed within reach are opened and closed with a crank handle, similar to how windows in older cars may be operated. Out-of-reach manual venting skylights typically come equipped with an extendable turning rod to operate the skylight.
What Makes Them Better
Two words: FRESH AIR! Fresh air boosts the energy efficiency of skylights. Not only can you rely on them for natural lighting, but you can also use them for natural ventilation. VELUX manual venting skylights (we call them our Manual "Fresh Air" Skylights) can also be equipped with shades*, giving you light and air quality control all in one. Manual venting skylights don't require electricity and don't require more expensive technology like the next option on our list, so they are an ideal and efficient daylight and fresh air option.
Best: Solar-Powered Venting Skylights
Like manual venting skylights, solar-powered venting skylights open to allow fresh airflow. What's different is their operation. Solar-powered skylights are opened and closed by an internal motor system that is powered by the sun. Each one has a solar panel that collects energy all day and uses it to power the skylight when prompted by a remote control.
What Makes Them The Best
Three words: Solar Tax Credit. For the next couple of years, you can receive a federal tax credit for installing solar-powered skylights. That means you get the daylight, you get the fresh air, and you get some money back just for installing them.
VELUX solar-powered venting skylights (our Solar Powered "Fresh Air" Skylights) work best with VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO, an operating system that lets you control your skylights and shades with a smartphone app. It also monitors your home's indoor air quality (including temperature and humidity) and opens or closes your skylights based on the preferences you set. Talk about convenience with your energy efficiency!
So, which do you think you'll opt for: the good, the better, or the best? If you need help making your decision, a VELUX design expert can help!
