In recent years, the push to create energy-efficient fixtures, windows and skylights, appliances, and home systems has been dramatic. The use of solar panels is on the rise, low-flow toilets are the only type of toilets available for purchase, and the use of xeriscaping is becoming more common every day. The reason for this transformation is multi-faceted.
Homeowners prioritize energy efficiency because they hope to improve their quality of life, reduce their utility bills and reduce their environmental impact. Builders and appliance manufacturers prioritize sustainability because, in the future, consumer demand for homes made with sustainable products and appliances will only increase. It’s the wave of the future.
How do energy-efficient windows and skylights factor into this building trend? The more you know about energy-efficient windows and skylights, the more sense it makes to prioritize energy efficiency during your next window and skylight purchase. Here’s what you need to know.
The Cost of Inefficient Windows and Skylights
In the United States, inefficient windows cost $50 billion in energy waste annually. These costs are spread out over households, businesses, government buildings, non-profit organizations, and more.
A recent study found that at least 63% of homes in the US are not ENERGY STAR certified. Because of the energy required to heat and cool businesses and homes with energy-inefficient windows, replacing these windows could save billions of BTU’s, millions of dollars, and could prevent over 100 megatons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.
Energy Efficient Skylights Make a Difference
Energy-efficient skylights make all the difference. New research shows that modern windows built with energy-efficient glass and other materials can lower energy use and prevent additional pollution from entering the atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency of VTECH Skylights
VTECH skylights are made from state-of-the-art LoĒ³ 366 glass, designed to perform. It’s so energy efficient that it works everywhere to maintain your home’s energy efficiency, no matter what the time of year or temperature outside.
When used in a double pane window, it’s compliant in every ENERGY STAR zone there is. It’s so energy efficient that you can’t go wrong installing VTECH skylights in any part of the United States.
Warmer house in winter. Energy inefficient glass becomes cold in winter – cold on the side of the window facing indoors. This cools the air around the skylight. This cold air drifts downward, leading to cooler air around the floor. Bare toes get chilly, and homeowners crank up the heat. Installing VTECH skylights prevents this from happening because VTECH skylights don’t get nearly as cold on the side of the glass facing indoors.
Case in point: a chart in one of our recent blog posts shows that when temperatures outside drop to negative 20 degrees outside, glass on a single pane window may reach 0 degrees. LoĒ³ 366 glass under the same conditions will be 52 degrees.
Cooler house in summer. During the summer, rays from the sun enter the home and heat the house with infrared light. VTECH’s LoĒ³ 366 glass prevents that infrared light from entering the home, which in turn stops the air inside the house from heating up.
How Does This Save Energy?
The type of glass used in your skylights can directly affect how easy or difficult it is to regulate the temperature in your building or home. Highly efficient glass makes temperature regulation simpler, puts less burden on your HVAC system, and allows your heater or air conditioner to cool or heat your home without running excessively.
Signs Your Skylights Are Inefficient
So, how can you tell if your skylights are inefficient? There are many ways. Look for these signs:
- Ice crystals form on your skylights on cold days.
- The light that shines through your skylight heats the floor of your home.
- Flooring or furniture often exposed to light from the skylight is faded.
- You have a hard time maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room with skylights.
- You notice hot spots or cold spots in the area around your skylight.
Think You Need New Skylights? Contact VTECH Skylights
VTECH Skylights are made from energy-efficient LoĒ³ 366 glass. Our products are designed to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors while allowing beautiful daylight through to your indoor spaces. Call today to learn more.