Now more than ever, tube skylights are becoming a common feature in many people’s homes. Also referred to as a sun tube or sun tunnel, they are classified as being a tubular lighting device or TDD. They can be had in curved, straight, or jointed designs; all of which can increase the quotient of natural light entering a residential or commercial building. On first appearance, a replacement skylight appears similar to other forms of recessed lighting. They will not look obtrusive no matter what decor is present. In many cases they are easier to install and cheaper than other types of skylights. As their size is typically compact this means that far less heat is lost outwards during the cold winter months, during the summer heat gain can also be controlled. They are often described as being a great energy saving device. The basic concept involves providing a living area with indirect and diffused sunlight. As the sunlight is not entering a room directly, this results in less damage to carpets and other furnishings from UV rays. For the same reason there would be less strain on the eyes. They are also available with an integrated electrical light that can be used during times of low light or night time. Most designs of tubular skylights are manufactured with a metal frame and an acrylic lens. The tubes themselves are placed into a dome that is installed into the roof. They also incorporate a reflective sun scoop that directs the light into a metal or plastic tube. The tube uses a reflective coating to bounce the light down and out through a diffuser lens. The diffuser would be located in the room’s interior ceiling. Though a lot more compact than a conventional form of skylight, tubular designs are able to disperse a high level of light into the room they are placed in. It is claimed that in the dark winter months they can offer the equivalent light output to a seven hundred watt bulb, while in the summer months this is almost doubled. No matter what your requirements, this should be more than sufficient. How much you would have to pay for a tubular skylight would depend upon its size and quality. As a rough guide, expect to pay somewhere between one hundred and six hundred dollars for a single design. It would be wise to avoid the cheapest options as they may not have been built to the highest quality. When choosing an installer, it is wise to do a fair amount of research. Do not choose an installer without doing a background check. If possible, use a firm that has been recommended to you. If the installer has little or no experience you may end up with a skylight that is prone to drafts and leaks. It is not that difficult for an experienced DIY enthusiast to fit tubular skylights by themselves. With the cost of electricity rising upwards each year it makes perfect sense to take on board practices that can reduce the energy required to heat and cool a home as much as possible. By choosing a sun dome skylight , you would also discover that the atmosphere becomes less stressful and more productive than if using only artificial lights.

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Decrease Your Electricity Bills With Sun-Dome Skylights