A skylight lets you soak up even more of the bright, warm sunshine, but if not cared for correctly, skylights can ultimately leave you less comfortable.
The Trouble with Skylights
In summer, around 30 percent of your home’s heat gain comes through your windows. In winter, your windows account for some 10–15 percent of your heat loss. Skylights can contribute to even greater heat gain because they receive more direct sunlight than traditional windows.During the winter months, warm indoor air naturally rises toward your skylights. As a result, skylights can lose around 40 percent more energy than windows. Because skylights are often out of direct sight, deterioration in caulk and weatherstripping may go unnoticed. When these materials begin to fail, air leaks can develop, allowing conditioned air to escape while letting humidity and outdoor pollutants enter your home.
Keeping Your Skylights Efficient
Twice a year, thoroughly clean your skylights, including both the interior and exterior glass surfaces as well as the surrounding frame. Cleaning before winter helps maximize the amount of natural light and warmth entering your home during the colder months.While cleaning, inspect the caulk and weatherstripping for signs of wear or deterioration. Replacing damaged materials can help prevent energy loss and improve indoor comfort. Scheduling regular professional inspections can also help identify and address developing issues before they become costly repairs.
Install Window Treatments
Adding blinds gives you greater control over the amount of heat and sunlight entering through your skylights. Venetian blinds and similar options can reduce heat gain by nearly 40 percent, while blackout blinds may provide even greater protection against unwanted heat and glare.
Consider Exterior Skylight Covers
Blinds also provide an additional layer of insulation during winter, helping reduce heat loss. If excessive heat and glare are a concern throughout much of the summer, an exterior skylight cover may be a worthwhile investment. Exterior covers typically block heat more effectively than interior blinds and are available in both fixed and retractable styles.
Upgrade Your Skylight Glass
If you’re planning to replace your skylight glazing, look for products with a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) close to 0.2. Lower SHGC ratings help reduce unwanted heat transfer into your home. Additionally, choosing glass or plastic designed to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation can help protect your skin and reduce fading of furniture, flooring, and other interior finishes.
Improve Comfort and Efficiency Throughout Your Home
Properly maintained skylights can provide beautiful natural light while helping you maintain energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Regular inspections, weatherization maintenance, and energy-efficient upgrades can help you enjoy the benefits of your skylights without unnecessary heat gain or energy loss.If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency, the team at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar is here to help. Our experienced professionals can recommend solutions that help reduce energy waste and keep your home comfortable year-round.Call Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar today at (408) 819-9862 or contact us online to schedule a service today!
