Highlight the Energy Savings and Health Benefits to Homeowners Before a Skylight Installation

Amount of Money Homeowners Can Save After a Skylight Installation

Telling a homeowner they will save money won’t necessarily convince them to install skylights. But when you can give them a rough estimate, it gives them pause to consider. With just one venting skylight in the living room, some homeowners can potentially save as much as $200 or more on their annual electrical bill. Let's break it down in the next couple of sections. These savings do depend on the number of skylights, placement on the roof, and the local climate. 

Savings on Lighting

One 2’x4’ skylight can provide 37,150 lumens or more, depending on weather and the skylight's position. Even if there is a long light well, this skylight can provide up to 18,575 lumens. This is comparable to approximately 11 100-watt light bulbs. 

The average US electricity rate is 17.47 cents per kilowatt-hour. Most single-family homes have 4 lightbulbs in the living room. They are used for approximately 4 hours daily. So, If 60-watt bulbs are used, that is an approximate annual cost of $50 for a room with four light bulbs. One 2’x4’ skylight provides more lumens and potentially saves up to $50 annually.  

Savings on HVAC
Several factors affect the amount of money that can be saved on HVAC costs with a skylight. Climate is the biggest. Homes in warmer climates can benefit from a venting skylight, which allows warm air to escape through the ceiling, potentially using less air conditioning. Homes in colder climates benefit from the solar heat gain in the winter months, thereby potentially reducing the need for heating in the winter. It's important to remember that a home’s insulation is a big factor. Thin insulation or cracks in the exterior walls will continue to leak air from inside. 

Optional glazing on the skylight can further increase energy efficiency. However, the VELUX Skylight System with factory-installed shades is the most beneficial. When used appropriately and with proper insulation in place, an average single-family home can potentially save up to $13 a month.  

Total Potential Annual Savings (A 2'x4' Skylight in the Living Room)

Potential Savings on Lighting monthly = $2.50     Potential Savings on Lighting Annually = $50

Potential Savings on HVAC monthly      = $13        Potential Savings on HVAC Annually  = $156

Total Potential Monthly Energy Savings = $15.50   Total Potential Annual Energy Savings = $206

Health Benefits of Skylights

An inspiring view that saves money is one reason to install skylights. Discovering that natural light and improved air quality elevate the mood, increase energy, and lower blood pressure is another one. 

One of the first things many homeowners experience after installing skylights is better sleep. Regular exposure to morning and evening daylight through a skylight helps many to reset their circadian rhythm. Daylight is absorbed by cones on the back of the optic nerve, which signal the production of serotonin. The body uses this neurotransmitter to regulate the systems throughout the body. At the end of the day, serotonin production turns to melatonin. When exposed to early morning sunlight, the body produces melatonin sooner. This helps people fall asleep more easily. Some homeowners have said they added up to 46 minutes of extra sleep a night. 

This more profound and more restful sleep contributes to lower blood pressure, elevated mood, and increased energy. 69% of people feel that more access to nature, daylight, and fresh air has a positive effect on their mental well-being. 71% of people report that daylight positively affects their stress levels. Research by Cornell University found that people exposed to natural light experienced 51% less eyestrain, 63% fewer headaches, and 56% less drowsiness. One study found that over 60% of people believe that natural light is the single most important attribute in a home.

VELUX is Ready to Discuss Skylight Features 

Some homeowners might need to hear a second opinion or prefer to do a little more research. We have Design and Product Advisors who would be more than happy to virtually sit down and discuss the features and benefits of our skylights. We can also outline the differences between venting skylights, fixed skylights, and tubular skylights. For installation assistance, we have an array of installation videos to review. For hands-on training, we have opened Pro Partner Academies and offer a mobile installation van in select areas, or you can contact your local VELUX Sales Rep.

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