Skylights aren’t a new invention. But, they have become a more popular and viable means to save energy in an effort to make homes more energy-efficient. Plus, they offer additional benefits too. Natural sunlight is important to incorporate into a home. The presence of a skylight in a room is a great way to change the atmosphere and create a bright living space. There are many skylight options available and it’s important to choose the right one for you. Here’s how to choose a skylight:

1. Determine Whether You Want a View to the Outside

Whether or not you want an actual view of the sky will be one of the first things you should determine. If that is less important than the actual energy savings and other benefits you can receive from the natural sunlight emitted into the home through a skylight, you may want to consider a sun-tunnel.

Sun tunnels offer many of the same benefits of a skylight with a few unique benefits of their own. However, if a view to the outside is important to you, you will want to stick with a more traditional style of skylight.

2. Think About the Area You’re Trying to Light up

Considering the area you wish to light is one of the most important aspects of the project because it will provide you with a clearer direction to take in terms of the style skylight you need. Sun tunnels make it possible to get light to areas of the home where standard skylights aren’t an option.

Standard skylights need to be placed within the roof-line of the home. Typically, rooms with some type of vaulted ceilings are the best options for these types of skylights. On the contrary, sun tunnels can provide the benefits of natural sunlight to parts of the home that ordinarily would not be candidates for standard skylights by reflecting light from the opening in a roof through the tunnel and into whatever room in the home you are looking to light up.

3. Contemplate Air Flow

You will also want to think about whether you want to be able to have air flow. A traditional skylight can be made so that it can be opened and allow for ventilation and air flow. If you don’t need to be able to open it, a sun tunnel is still an option. But, if you do want the option to open it, vented skylights are your only option.

Vented skylights may be operated either electronically or manually. A vented skylight provides homeowners with the ability to release unwanted hot air from the home and assist in natural air movement through the home.

4. Consider Adding Blinds

It’s important to consider the value of choosing a skylight option that has blinds or the ability to incorporate blinds. Blinds can be added to a traditional skylight and can add energy-efficiency by allowing for the regulation of the amount of sunlight that is entering the home through the skylight.

They also allow the homeowner to choose how bright the room is during certain times of day by adjusting the blinds. Most electronic vented skylights will come with blinds incorporated into their design.

Skylights are a popular option for many homes, and it isn’t hard to see why. They add a great amount of value and utility to a home and there are many other benefits of skylights. Knowing how to choose a skylight can be a big help when you are deciding how to incorporate more natural sunlight within your home.

Plus, when you discuss the available options with an experienced home improvement contractor, they’ll be in a better position to offer options that fit your needs. If you are looking for some inspiration, feel free to visit one of our showrooms, or give us a call at (717) 399-4708 to discuss your options!