Skylights help turn accessory dwelling units (ADUs) into eco-friendly homes in two ways. They reduce overall energy costs and create a healthier living environment. Abundant daylight from above reduces lighting and energy costs. Venting skylights bring in fresh air and remove excess moisture, dust, and other irritants.
Energy-efficient homes are built with a focus on reducing energy use and improving occupant well-being. Several aspects can be incorporated into a home to make it energy-efficient. Some of these include water or energy conservation, energy generation, waste reduction, or decreasing carbon dioxide emissions.
Features of an energy-efficient home include:
• Above-average thermal insulation
• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
• Photovoltaic panels
• Wind turbine
• Rainwater harvesting
• Greywater collection
Skylights turn ADUs into energy-efficient homes by ushering in abundant natural light and fresh air. Both of which have been shown to reduce energy consumption and boost overall health.
Many ADU occupants have also reported using less artificial light. After installing skylights, most occupants report using artificial lighting 4 hours less a day. For many, this reduces artificial light use. Natural light from above illuminates twice the amount of space as a vertical window. Not only does this help occupants to see better, but studies have found that daylight improves sleep and mood.
Venting skylights assist with thermal regulation through passive ventilation. When skylights are open in conjunction with a vertical window, they create a powerful stack effect. This is a natural airflow that draws fresh air in through the window and releases hot, humid air through the skylight. Studies have found that fresh air can help improve sleep, mood, and even focus. This stack effect can also help to reduce the need for air conditioning or noisy ventilation fans.
Skylights provide passive solar heat gain, which can further reduce energy consumption in the winter. But what about summer? That’s when a skylight shade is the answer. A skylight shade keeps heat out and cool air in by better insulating the skylight unit. According to studies sponsored by VELUX, a skylight shade improves the energy efficiency of a skylight by up to 46%. This daylight control also reduces glare for better occupant comfort.
The VELUX Skylight System is ideal for turning ADUs into eco-friendly homes. A skylight shade is included with every VELUX Skylight System, whether it is a fixed skylight or a venting skylight. VELUX skylight shades are available in light-filtering and room-darkening styles. White is the standard color. Other colors are available, but there is a waiting period for these custom orders. These skylights are available in a variety of sizes. So, they can be added to the living area, bedroom, or bathroom. Venting models can be opened with the touch of a button to usher in fresh air.
This tubular skylight filters natural daylight to rooms below. They are available in 10” and 14” diameters. These skylights can fit into closets, bathrooms, and smaller spaces. Some VELUX Sun Tunnel skylights are equipped with a polycarbonate dome that captures sunlight throughout the day. Other Sun Tunnel skylights are equipped with a panel of flat glass for a look that blends with the roofline. An optional solar-powered night light is available. This small accessory is placed inside the Sun Tunnel. It gathers sunlight and then glows serenely through the night. A Sun Tunnel must have rigid tubing with a length of at least 12 inches for a night light to be used.
5.7 square feet of egress is a requirement for every ADU sleeping area. The VELUX Top Hinge Roof Window is perfect for loft bedrooms. It meets egress requirements and is easy to open in an emergency. This VELUX roof window (GPU) must be installed on a roof with a pitch of 15-55 degrees. The side hinge roof window, known as the VELUX Roof Access Window (GXU), also meets egress requirements. During an emergency, this roof window opens easily to a full 90 degrees. It can be locked in the open position.
Making the decision to turn an ADU into an energy-efficient home is just the first step. Next, the skylights need to be ordered and installed. VELUX is available to assist. Local sales representatives are available for consultations. They can walk builders and remodelers through the available options for their local areas.
For builders, roofers, and remodelers looking for skylight installation training, there are several Pro Partner Academies across the US. These academies offer hands-on skylight installation training and business courses. They are free to attend, but space is limited. On-site skylight installation training is also available via VELUX Mobile Training.
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