Designed to reflect natural light, solar tubes are not quite as flashy as skylights but are a great way to provide natural daylight to your home. They are a great way to save money on energy bills and provide a bit of vitamin D. In fact, they are also a great way to help improve physical and mental well-being.
In a nutshell, a solar tube is a small metal tube that captures sunlight and channels it into a room. The light is reflected by a series of mirrors and dispersed into the room below. These can be used in multi-level homes or even in spaces that don’t have wall windows.
These solar tubes come in various sizes and diameters. A 10-inch tube can illuminate up to 200 square feet of space. A larger solar tube can brighten a room as big as 300 square feet. In addition, these can save you money on electricity, heating and air conditioning costs.
The best part is that these solar tube systems are relatively simple to install. They can be installed on most roofs with a moderate pitch. However, How do solar light tubes work? they are not suitable for high-slope roofs. If you have a roof with a higher slope, you may need to use a different type of solar tube or a different type of system. They will also be ineffective in areas with a ground floor and two-story roof. They are also not recommended for roofs with more than six metres of space between the ceiling and the roof.
The most effective solar tube lighting system requires the use of an R-15 batt insulation inside the tube. This will help reduce condensation inside the dome area and will also increase the overall R value of the system. This isn’t a hard thing to do, but you will need to spend a few dollars on this small but oh-so-important item.
The light tube also has a little bit of a challenge when it comes to heat gain and loss. While a small tube can save you money on heating and air conditioning costs, it may not be the best choice for your climate. In humid climates, an aluminum tube can allow water condensation to take place inside the dome. This can lead to an increased R value, which will make for a shortened lifespan of your solar tube.
The best solar tubes will also have the most energy-efficient features. Some have an EnergyStar(r) rating, which means they may qualify for a tax deduction of up to 30 percent. In addition, they are likely to improve the value of your home. For instance, a solar tube may not require drywalling or painting, saving you money in the long run. A solar tube also uses less energy, which can be helpful in the summer months when air conditioning costs are high.
The solar tube might be the best choice for your home if you’re looking for a reliable source of natural light without the hassle of artificial lighting. They are also easy to install and can provide a pleasing aesthetic to a room.