How Skylights Can Give You a Zero Energy Home

Energy-efficient homes have never been more popular, and homeowners are constantly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. This growing trend has sparked a strong interest in zero energy homes. But what exactly is a zero energy home, and how can you transform your own home into one?

You will find the answers to these questions and more right here in this Solatube guide. Let’s get started!

What Is a Zero Energy Home?

A zero energy home is more than just an energy-efficient house – it’s a home that is designed to balance energy use with energy production. On an annual basis, a zero energy home produces as much energy as it consumes, usually through renewable sources like solar or wind power.

This results in a net-zero energy footprint, meaning the home does not rely on traditional energy sources and has little to no impact on the environment.

To achieve this goal, zero energy homes are often built with cutting-edge technology and design features that focus on energy conservation. These properties generally have superior insulation, high-performance windows and skylights, and energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and (HVAC) systems. Appliances and lighting are optimized for minimal energy use, while renewable energy systems like solar panels generate clean electricity.

By balancing energy consumption with energy production, a zero energy house can provide its owners with reduced utility costs and a more hospitable living environment. But the benefits do not end there. If you turn your house into a zero energy home, you will also enjoy upsides such as:

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Since zero energy homes generate their own power, they rely less on fossil fuels. This helps reduce your carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet and combating climate change.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Zero energy properties are generally built with superior insulation and ventilation systems that filter out allergens and pollutants – providing you with cleaner indoor air.
• Higher Resale Values: As eco-conscious living becomes more popular, homes with zero energy features are in higher demand. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for energy-efficient, sustainable properties that offer long-term savings on utilities and a reduced environmental footprint.
• Increased Comfort: Zero energy homes maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round, thanks to high-performance insulation, windows, skylights, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. As such, they typically offer a much more comfortable living experience.
• Energy Independence: Zero energy homes reduce your reliance on external energy sources, such as the power grid. This means you are less vulnerable to rising energy prices and power outages, giving you greater control over your home’s energy needs and costs.

If you transform your property into a zero energy home, you may also be eligible for tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives.

How Skylights Can Help You Achieve a Zero Energy House

Now that you know a little bit about the many benefits of zero energy houses, you are probably wondering how you can achieve one of your own. What steps should you take to start enjoying all the upsides listed above?

In our opinion, installing new skylights in your home is the perfect place to begin your journey. A new residential skylight can help you turn your property into a zero energy house by:

• Maximizing Natural Light: Skylights allow natural sunlight to flood your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. By relying on daylight instead of electrical lighting, you can significantly cut down your energy consumption.
• Reducing Heating Costs: In cold climates, skylights can help heat your home naturally. During the day, sunlight enters through the skylight, warming the interior of the property and reducing your reliance on your heating system.
• Minimizing Energy Waste: Skylights strategically placed in darker areas of the home, such as hallways or bathrooms, provide natural light without the need for electricity. As such, they can help you reduce the amount of energy you waste by keeping lights on in spaces that only need occasional lighting.
• Harnessing Solar Power: Many advanced skylights, such as those offered by Solatube, come equipped with integrated solar panels. These panels help to power the skylight’s motorized functions and allow it to illuminate a room long after the sun goes down.

Of course, those solar panels are not the only energy-efficient features you’ll find on Solatube’s residential skylights. Our systems also come with features such as:

• High-performance dual-pane glass
• Integrated thermal barriers, and
• SoftLight glass

So, don’t delay. Talk to a Solatube dealer near you today to learn more about our skylights – and begin the process of transforming your house into a zero energy home.