Passive Light Gaining Ground In Green Building

    FORT MILL, SC, July 10, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Passive light is defined as light without the heat emitted by electrical sources. It's a form of natural light, but in this age of green building it has acquired an upscale name. No matter what it's called, it's still one of the best lighting methods available. It's free. It's effective. It's efficient.

And it's easy to bring into homes through tubular skylights without flipping an electrical switch, especially to smaller interior areas that don't normally get a lot of natural light, including hallways, laundry rooms, closets, or windowless bathrooms.

Sandra Tuell, an accredited real estate enhancement professional, describes tubular skylights as "small, roof-mounted marvels," and says they offer exceptional light output and cost-efficiency, are eco-friendly and easy to install, and are both attractive inside and unobtrusive outside.

According to Tim Johnson, product manager with VELUX America, SUN TUNNEL skylights can bring passive natural light to areas where traditional skylights aren't needed or won't fit, while admitting very little of the heat that windows and other light sources produce. They capture light very efficiently through a clear, weatherproof dome on the roof. The light travels into the home through highly reflective tubing, ending at a diffuser in the ceiling that looks like a traditional in-ceiling light fixture. The units offer a choice of highly reflective rigid tubing between the roof and ceiling, or flexible tubing to easily bypass HVAC equipment or other obstructions in the attic. They are less expensive than many traditional skylights and simple to install.

The easy-to-install skylights are available in a variety of models in 10", 14" and 21" diameters for different spaces and lighting needs.

"The installation process is very straight-forward," Johnson says, "with many components pre-assembled right out of the box so a handy homeowner can handle the installation in two to three hours if a professional installation is not preferred."

The skylights are available at big box stores, building supply dealers, and specialty retail outlets. Optional light kits are available that install inside the tunnels for nighttime use.

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.

Image/s caption - Tubular skylights provide passive natural light without generating heat.

VELUX America Feature Series No. 28/08/F - Passive Light Gaining Ground In Green Building - 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 go to the News Media section under "Professionals."

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