Solar light tubes are an energy efficient way to brighten up your home.
When your home or office is dark and dreary, it creates a variety of problems. Dim light makes it more difficult to see, especially if you are trying to do a visual task, such as reading. A lack of light also affects your mood and your health. The easiest, most environmentally friendly, and economical way to let the sun shine in your home is installing a solar tub light or sun tunnel.
Craig Thorslund, owner and president of Sun-Up Construction in Wexford, PA, says he got into the business because he and his wife received a tubular skylight as a housewarming gift. After installation, he was so impressed with the product, he became a dealer.
Thorslund says that when some people hear the term skylight, they still remember the leaky skylight of days past. Today’s technology has virtually eliminated that problem, though, as long as quality materials, such as Velux sun tunnels and skylights are used, and they are installed following the manufacturer’s directions.
Benefits of Solar Tubes
Added light is one of the most important benefits you’ll receive when you install a sun tube. Your room will instantly be a more pleasant place to spend time, whether you are working or relaxing.
Your body needs sunlight to produce Vitamin D. Light plays a significant role in your emotional wellbeing as well. When you don’t get enough light, your body fails to produce enough of the hormones serotonin and melatonin, leaving you vulnerable to fatigue and depression.
Solar tube lights are energy efficient. You get the benefit of more light, yet you don’t pay ongoing costs (like extra utility bills) after your initial investment, which is reasonable. Solar tubes have no heat loss or heat gain, they are Energy Star rated and qualify for state and federal tax credits.
You can even have a sun powered attic fan included, efficiently cooling your attic and lowering your need for air conditioning.
How do Roof Skylights Work?
When you have a skylight installed on your roof, it captures the sunlight, transporting it down a 98% reflective tube. It arrives in your room through what looks like a stylish light fixture. If the sun tunnel is in an area where you also need light at night, a light kit allows you to revert to electric lighting needed.
Sun tubes install fairly quickly and easily. The job is usually finished in under 3 hours. You can install a sun tube in nearly any room in your home. If the room is on the first floor of a 2 story house, you will need a closet or chase above the sun tunnel where the tube can be run to the attic roof.
Because the tubing is flexible, it doesn’t require a lot of construction to install. It’s easy to manuever around obstructions.
You can banish dark and dreary spaces in your home, economically and naturally. A sun tunnel allows you to harvest the sunlight and bring it to where you need it. Even on cloudy days you’ll experience minimum light loss. Your plants will thrive in a well lit room and so will your family. So come out of the darkness and let the sun shine in.
Related Solar Energy Articles:
Going with Solar Power the Easy Way
New Solar-Powered Options Give You Day-Light Where You Want It
Passive Solar for Home Heat
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