Reduce energy use and save money

By: Rhonda Barber

(NC)-Inefficient plastic bubble skylights can cause multiple problems for home owners, including increased energy costs due to excess heat entering the home, fading of furniture, and susceptibility of these skylights cracking. Homeowners can eliminate these potential problems by replacing plastic skylights with modern, energy-efficient glass models.

An ideal replacement for plastic bubble skylights is the VELUX Curb Mounted Product series, including the FCM (Fixed Curb Mount), VCM (Manual Venting Curb Mounted Skylight), and VCE (Electric Venting Curb Mounted Skylight). VELUX skylights are double paned glass skylights, with a double layer of Low-E coating, argon gas filling, and feature added UV protection. The benefits of these features are discussed below in detail.

The combination of Low-E coating and argon gas provide additional thermal performance. Therefore, heat gain during the summer months, and heat loss throughout the winter months is reduced. Energy efficiency is thus increased and energy savings are passed to the consumer by reducing both cooling and heating bills (vs. the plastic bubble skylight). For instance, a consumer can save $128.70 annually on energy costs by upgrading from a plastic skylight to a VELUX 4x4 FCM skylight with double pane Low-Glazing.

Added UV protection on glass skylights will protect furniture in the home from fading. Additional benefits of a glass skylight include less noise, no leaking or drafts, and glass skylights are aesthetically pleasing both on the inside and outside of the home.

VELUX is the world's largest manufacturer of skylights and Sun Tunnel Skylights. For more information on skylights and Sun Tunnel Skylights, contact VELUX Canada Inc. at 1 800 88-VELUX or visit our website at www.VELUX.ca