March 13, 2025

Skylights can be a striking, modern addition to any home. They bring in natural light, enhance your space, and add unique interest to your ceiling. However, if they are not properly designed, maintained, or installed, they can contribute to significant heat loss in winter and excessive heat gain in summer, leading to skyrocketing energy costs. Thankfully, there are some things to look out for with your skylights that can contribute to their energy efficiency. Read on to find out the best features to look for, ideal replacement options, and recommended brands to maximise your energy efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Features to Look for in Skylights

When choosing skylights, opting for models with energy-efficient features can significantly reduce heat transfer and improve insulation. Here are some key aspects to consider:

    • Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Coatings: Low-E coatings help control heat transfer by reflecting infrared light while allowing natural light to pass through. This helps reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter while protecting furniture and flooring from UV damage.
    • Heat-Absorbing Tints: Skylights with heat-absorbing tints help reduce glare and excessive heat from direct sunlight. These are especially useful in warmer climates to keep indoor temperatures comfortable.
  • Double Glazing: Double glazing is when there are two panes of glass with a sealed airspace between them, which is often filled with argon gas. This provides better insulation than a single-pane option and reduces heat gain as well as external noises.
  • Low U-Values: The U-value measures how well a window or skylight prevents heat from escaping. Lower U-values indicate better insulation, reducing energy loss in colder months. 
  • Proper Insulation: Insulating the skylight frame and the surrounding roof cavity helps prevent drafts and energy loss. Properly sealed and insulated skylights can drastically improve home efficiency.

Replace Acrylic Skylights for Better Efficiency

Acrylic skylights were prolific in the 1980s in both homes and businesses. While there are still some benefits to choosing acrylic, in recent times, they have become less common than glass due to their energy efficiency. Acrylic models often lack the Low-E coatings and energy-efficient glazing. If you have old acrylic skylights, consider upgrading to more energy-efficient models.

Why Replace Acrylic Skylights?

Acrylic models often lack Low-E coatings or heat-reflective properties, leading to overheating in summer. Their poor insulation properties can also contribute to heat loss in winter and higher energy bills. They may be prone to discolouration and degradation over time at a higher rate than glass options, requiring more frequent replacements.

 

Choosing Skylights with Built-In Thermal Collars

A thermal collar is an insulation feature that helps reduce heat loss around the skylight frame. Thermal collars prevent cold air infiltration during winter and heat gain in summer, enhancing your skylight’s energy efficiency right up to the glass. Thermal collars are also the key to preventing condensation on your skylight due to differences in temperature between the indoors and outdoors.

Keylite Skylights are one of the only skylights on the market with integrated thermal collars – many brands require you to purchase them separately. Their built-in design ensures all gaps are entirely sealed to fill the space between the frame and roof timbers. Keylite skylights are a great investment for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature all year round.

Are Sun Tunnels Energy Efficient?

Sun tunnels, also known as tubelights, are a convenient alternative to traditional skylights. They are designed to bring natural light to areas without straightforward access to the roof. Their design ensures they can be highly energy efficient, with insulated reflective tubes to minimise heat loss and gain. Tubelights provide a constant diffusion of sunlight throughout the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. Overall, sun tunnels are a cost-effective, eco-friendly lighting solution that can help you maintain energy efficiency.

Our Recommended Skylight Brands for Energy Efficiency

Not all skylights are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. Here are the two top brands we recommend

Keylite Roof Windows: Keylite models come with a built-in thermal collar for better insulation in your home. Their premium Low-E coating reduces heat transfer, keeping your temperature comfortable indoors. Keylite’s high-performing double-glazing with an argon gas centre enhances efficiency with a U-Value of 1.0. Combined with Keylite’s 99% UV protection, self-cleaning coating, and 36db noise barrier, you can rest assured that your premium product will do everything to keep your home comfortable.

INFINITI Skylights: Available in ten different sizes, INFINITI skylights are designed to fit over existing acrylic skylight frames, making energy-efficient replacements ideal. Their thicker, toughened glass and double-glazing with an argon gas centre help to maintain your home’s internal temperature. With a Low-E coating and a U-Value of 1.5, INFINITI skylights kill the heat, not the daylight. They are stylish, durable, and highly energy-efficient, assisting you with your energy bills.

Making your skylights more energy efficient doesn’t have to be complicated. Choosing skylights with the features you need can help you improve insulation, reduce energy costs, and improve your indoor comfort. Brands like Keylite and INFINITI offer excellent choices for homeowners looking to upgrade their skylights for better performance.

For helpful advice, products, and installation services, contact us at Natural Lighting Products today!