Easy Natural Lighting Upgrade Offers Homeowners Triple Benefit

    FORT MILL, SC, July 10, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Homeowners interested in an easy green upgrade for their home can save money on energy costs, protect furniture from fading, and gain the healthful benefits of better natural light simply by replacing inefficient plastic bubble skylights with modern, energy-efficient glass models.

A study from VELUX America shows an energy cost savings of nearly $200 annually from a simple replacement process that can be accomplished quickly and easily by an installer or a handy homeowner with basic tools.

"There are millions of cracked and yellowing plastic skylights out there," says Mark Richardson, CR, president of CASE , the largest full-service remodeling company in the country, "and many good reasons to replace them. There is less noise, no leaking or drafts, and it's a better-looking product both inside and out. Also, flat-glass skylights offer a clear view, have aesthetic advantages, and provide tremendous endurance to withstand extreme weather," says Richardson.

ENERGY STAR qualified replacement skylights feature a double layer of Low-E coating to provide additional thermal performance, preventing heat gain in the summer months and heat loss during the winter, thereby reducing cooling and heating bills. *

To replace a plastic bubble skylight simply remove the fasteners from the skylight frame with a screwdriver or hammer and remove the bubble from the curb (the mount attached to the roof which holds the skylight).
If there is sealant on top of the curb, remove and clean the surface with a knife or chisel. Finally, position the replacement unit on the curb and fasten with the screws provided with the new unit.

Additional energy savings can be achieved if the model chosen offers a shade or blinds to further minimize heat gain or loss while softening direct sunlight.

Replacement skylights meeting ENERGY STAR standards are available in convenient sizes to fit approximately 90 percent of all existing installations. Retail pricing begins in the low $100s.

For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call 1-800-283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org.

* $194 annual saving on cooling cost based on $0.15 electric cooling kwh/hr. Comparing one VELUX FCM skylight to one plastic dome skylight (4' by 4' sizes) on a 2,000 sq. ft. home.

Image caption - Replacing plastic bubble skylight with clear, energy-efficient glass is economical and easily accomplished by homeowners with basic tools.

VELUX America Information Series No 16/08/F - Easy Natural Lighting Upgrade Offers Homeowners Triple Benefits - Apx. 400 Words

Media contact:
Keith Hobbs - Business Services Associates, Inc. - 9413 Greenfield Drive
Raleigh, NC 27615-2306 - Phone - 919.844.0064 - E-mail - [email protected]

For quick access to natural light feature material, daylighting case histories and background information, news releases, press kits and high-resolution images visit www.veluxusa.com and, from the Home page, go to the News Media section under "Professionals."

# # #