Increasing Energy Efficiency Will Save You Money Everyday!
Poorly designed and cheaply made skylights may save a few dollars at installation, but the money you save can be lost in a few years of wasted energy. We suggest you watch for the Energy Star label.
Heat Gain
Acrylic and the compounds that block infrared rays do not mix, therefore acrylic plastics transmit most of these heat producing rays directly into the home.
Solutions
A bronze or dark grey tint (which reduces the total amount of light transmitted) is often used to lessen this effect.
Aftermarket blinds on the interior or an awning made of sunscreen material on the exterior can be effective although somewhat expensive solutions.
The best solution would be skylights with dual pane low E³ glass, such as the Velux skylights, which use Neat® glass with the added benefit of staying cleaner longer and reducing noise. The addition of blinds increases energy efficiency as much as 40%.
Heat Loss
Lack of a thermal break
The worst offenders are 80’s era “bubble” dome skylights with a simple frame that does not include a thermal break—using an insulating material to physically separate the interior frame from the exterior. Heat is transferred directly through the frame.
Can also create condensation issues when rising warm, moist air meets the cold skylight and, when conditions are met, can drip and is usually perceived as a leak.
Solutions
Avoid inexpensive domes without a thermally broken frame. These skylights are only suitable for use over unheated spaces.
Velux LuxGuard polycarbonate dome skylights use a sophisticated design with a 100 percent thermally broken frame (the frame IS the thermal break).
The best solution would be skylights with dual pane low E³ glass, such as the Velux skylights, which use Neat® glass with the added benefit of staying cleaner longer and reducing noise. The addition of blinds increases energy efficiency as much as 40%.
UV Damage
Acrylic and the compounds that block damaging UV rays do not mix. Therefore acrylic plastics do not prevent damage caused by these furniture and fabric fading rays.
Solutions
A bronze or dark grey tint (which reduces the total amount of light transmitted) is often used to lessen this effect.
Velux LuxGuard polycarbonate dome skylights use a compound to reduce UV ray transmittance. And carry a 15 year warranty against breakage—including hail up to 2″.
The best solution would be skylights with dual pane low E³ glass, such as the Velux skylights, which use Neat® glass with the added benefit of staying cleaner longer and reducing noise. Low E glass blocks over 99% of harmful UV rays.
