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Choosing the Right Energy Efficient Skylight
Most skylights are now generally sealed well and the double glazing helps to minimise condensation and heat flow through your skylight.
In Australia, skylights are now also rated by the Skylight energy rating system, and 5-star energy efficient skylights are available. The rating calculates the performance of your unit in winter and summer.
The WERS (Window Energy Rating System) for Skylights provides you with an energy rating analysis and comparison. The scheme takes account of key differences between the energy performance of windows and skylights and how your home will respond to the different units.
Which type of skylight is bet for your home?
When choosing skylights you can select between a sky window, which opens up for ventilation, or a skylight/dome light. Depending upon the manufacturer of your skylight, these may have slightly different names.
Sky windows
Sky windows are particularly suited to rooms that have a cathedral or raked ceiling but no roof space. Having an openable sky window is great for warm summer months to release heat that gathers at your ceiling.
Double-glazing and the use of selective low-e coatings reduce solar transmission. The use of a sealed IGU (Insulated Glazing Unit) allows the option of argon gas in the gap instead of air, which reduces further still the heat transfer through your unit.
Skylights/dome lights
Dome skylights typically have long shafts and a diffuser panel fitted at ceiling level. Ensure that the shaft walls are closed/lined and insulated so not to act as a giant hole in your ceiling insulation.
Tubular skylights reduce absolute heat loss and heat gain because of their small cross-sectional area. This lighting effect relies on your unit’s ability to capture direct-beam sunlight and diffuse it at ceiling level around your room.
They will work best in your home only if your climate has a high incidence of clear, sunny days. On cloudy days the amount of daylight admitted is considerably less than for a large-area, conventional skylight.
So what type of skylight is best suited to my local conditions? Sunrise HomesTasmania has identified four key components to determining the right skylight for your location:
1. Do I live in a hot or cold climate?
2. The angle of the sun in the sky (different in Tasmania to Rockhampton)
3. The amount of overcast versus sunny weather at your place
4. Are there high levels of air pollution and haze?
Skylights can come with internal shutters or other types of protection from summer sun o you can get the most out of your skylight all year round
About the Author
A recognized authority on energy efficient, healthy and sustainable homes, Libe has developed Tasmania’s First Certified GreenSmart home and produced the Homes For Living! on line newsletter and The Better Building Guide. His awards include the 2007 Australian GreenSmart Professional of the Year; Builder of Tasmania’s First Certified GreenSmart House and MBA Tasmania Award For Excellence in Energy Efficient Housing
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