Velux America Commissioned Study Shows Skylights Contribute To Home Energy Savings

    FORT MILL, SC, July 27, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Homes that depend more on skylights in combination with vertical windows to provide adequate levels of daylight tend to be more energy efficient, according to a study commissioned by VELUX America.

"A Study of the Energy Impacts of Residential Skylights in Different Climates," prepared by Group14 Engineering, used computer models based on a one-story, open plan, single-family home modeled under code-compliant conditions of California's Title 24 regulations (California Energy Commission, 2008), Residential Package D. The baseline-modeled home has a maximum 20 percent window-to-floor area (with no skylights) with windows evenly distributed on all facades to achieve an average daylight factor of five percent.

Researchers added skylights and adjusted the amount and configuration of vertical windows to test how the model would perform in different climate zones, while giving the living space sufficient daylight to allow lights to be switched off. The study explored the effects of these configurations on the utility bills generated by the model homes in Los Angeles and Napa, California, and then expanded the models to Boston, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, Orlando and Seattle, using their specific code requirements.

It found that by providing daylight from above via skylights, the total fenestration area could be reduced from a maximum 20 percent of floor area to as low as 12 percent of floor area while achieving the same baseline average of daylight factor target of five percent.

This was found to reduce annual heating and cooling energy use and costs in all but two of the 108 models with skylights that the group analyzed. Lighting savings, shading efficiencies, and increased natural ventilation attributable to skylights were not evaluated for simplicity. Further studies are planned to look into quantifying these additional efficiency contributions.

"While we have always known the intangible benefits of adding daylighting from above to homes, this study provides empirical evidence that natural light from skylights can contribute to the home's overall energy efficiency," says Stephan Moyon, direct of sales for VELUX America.

VELUX / Group14 Engineering Study
An in-depth discussion of the study, as part of a GreenExpo365 webinar titled "How To Reduce Energy Use By Improving Daylighting," is found at http://tinyurl.com/admhwh4. The full study report is available from VELUX upon request. VELUX continues to study and document the role and effectiveness of skylights in providing daylighting and passive ventilation.

Group14 Engineering is based in Denver, Colorado. The company specializes in energy modeling, daylighting and LEED strategy for architectural firms and building owners nationwide.

VELUX is an ENERGY STAR partner and has been recognized as a Partner of the Year. For more, visit www.veluxusa.com or www.whyskylights.com.

VELUX is the world leader in skylights and roof windows and is one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector. VELUX America products are available nationwide through home centers, building material suppliers, lumberyards, and independent door, window, or roofing retailers. Consumers can locate local suppliers and installers, and access information on skylight selection and the benefits of bringing more natural light and fresh air into the home by visiting www.veluxusa.com or www.whyskylights.com. VELUX skylights are Made in America in Greenwood, SC.

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