All About Skylight Window Treatments

Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, offering natural light and a view of the sky. However, they can also become a source of excessive heat in the summer and allow warmth to escape during the winter. This temperature fluctuation can lead to higher energy bills as your heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. This is especially important here in Tucson where cooling your home in the summer can run upwards of $400+/month.

The solution? Window treatments specifically designed for skylights. Not only do these treatments add aesthetic value, but they also help regulate indoor temperatures, making your home more energy-efficient. In this blog post, we'll explore different types of skylight window treatments and how they can significantly reduce your electric bill.

Skylights can account for a considerable amount of heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, especially if they are not treated or insulated properly. Without proper coverage, they expose your home to harsh UV rays, excessive sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures. These issues can increase your reliance on air conditioning and heating systems, leading to higher utility bills.

Window treatments for skylights offer a practical solution by controlling the amount of sunlight entering your home and acting as an additional layer of insulation. With the right treatment, you can:

• Block excess heat and sunlight during hot months
• Prevent heat from escaping during cold months
• Reduce glare and UV damage to furniture and flooring
• Enhance comfort and privacy
• Lower your energy consumption, which leads to reduced electric bills
• How Skylight Window Treatments Reduce Energy Consumption                                                                                                                            Before diving into specific types of window treatments, it’s essential to understand how they reduce energy consumption and lower your electric bill. The key is in their ability to provide insulation and control solar heat gain, which directly affects how hard your HVAC system has to work.

Window treatments add a barrier between your home and the outside environment. In the winter, they trap heat inside, reducing the need to use your heating system as much. In the summer, they block heat from entering, keeping your space cooler without relying heavily on air conditioning.

Solar Heat Gain Control

During the summer months, sunlight streaming through your skylights can raise indoor temperatures, leading to an increased need for air conditioning. Window treatments help block or filter sunlight, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home. By managing solar heat gain, your cooling system won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll notice a decrease in energy consumption.

Reducing Dependence on Artificial Lighting

Skylights allow natural light to flood your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Window treatments with light-filtering properties can optimize this natural light while controlling glare, which allows you to use less electricity for lighting.

Now, let’s explore the different types of skylight window treatments available and how they contribute to energy efficiency.

When it comes to skylight window treatments, there are several options available that cater to different needs, styles, and energy-saving goals. Each type offers unique features, and some are better suited for reducing energy consumption than others.

Energy Efficiency: Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are one of the most energy-efficient options for skylight window treatments. Their design features a honeycomb structure that traps air in pockets, creating a layer of insulation between the skylight and your home.

• Excellent at reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer
• Available in light-filtering and blackout options
• Can be custom-fitted for any skylight size or shape
• Motorized or manual operation available

How They Lower Your Electric Bill: Cellular shades’ insulating properties can drastically reduce your heating and cooling needs by preventing heat exchange between the inside and outside of your home. In the summer, they block out sunlight, keeping your home cooler, while in the winter, they retain warmth, lowering your reliance on HVAC systems.

Available in various openness levels to control light and heat

Protect furniture and flooring from UV damage

Offer privacy while maintaining an outside view

Can be motorized for easy operation in hard-to-reach skylights

How They Lower Your Electric Bill: By filtering sunlight and reducing solar heat gain, solar shades can prevent your home from overheating, particularly during the summer months. This decreases the demand for air conditioning, directly reducing your electricity consumption.

Energy Efficiency: If you need maximum control over heat and light, blackout shades are an ideal choice. These shades completely block out sunlight, making them perfect for those who want to create a dark, cool environment in a room with skylights. Blackout shades are made from thick materials that provide excellent insulation.

• Blocks 100% of sunlight
• Prevents heat gain and loss
• Ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where light control is important
• Can be motorized for convenient use

How They Lower Your Electric Bill: Blackout shades offer superior insulation and light-blocking abilities. In the summer, they prevent heat from entering your home, reducing the need for air conditioning. In the winter, they help trap warmth inside, which means you’ll rely less on your heating system, ultimately lowering your utility bills.

Energy Efficiency: Motorized blinds are an advanced option for skylight window treatments, offering convenience and energy savings. With the touch of a button or the use of a smart device, you can easily open or close the blinds, giving you total control over sunlight and temperature regulation.

Easily adjustable to control light and heat

Can be programmed to open and close at specific times

Integrates with smart home systems

Available in various materials, including cellular, solar, and blackout options

How They Lower Your Electric Bill: Motorized blinds allow you to adjust them as needed throughout the day, preventing excess heat from entering during peak sunlight hours. By automating the operation, you can ensure the blinds are always in the optimal position to reduce energy consumption, whether you’re home or away.

Energy Efficiency: Roman shades are an elegant and functional option for skylights. While not as energy-efficient as cellular or solar shades, Roman shades can still reduce heat transfer when made from thicker fabrics.

• Available in a wide range of fabrics and styles
• Offers moderate insulation and light control
• Can be motorized for easy operation

How They Lower Your Electric Bill: Thicker Roman shades help block out sunlight and reduce heat gain during the summer, while their fabric construction offers a mild insulating effect in colder months. Although they may not provide as much energy savings as cellular or blackout shades, they can still contribute to a more energy-efficient home.

One of the key considerations when choosing skylight window treatments is customization. Since skylights come in various shapes, sizes, and locations, it’s essential to choose a solution that fits your specific needs. Many manufacturers offer custom skylight window treatments designed to match the exact dimensions of your skylights, ensuring a seamless fit and maximum energy efficiency.

While energy savings are a primary advantage of skylight window treatments, there are other benefits to consider:

Increased Comfort: Window treatments help regulate indoor temperatures, creating a more comfortable living environment throughout the year.

UV Protection: Many skylight treatments, such as solar and blackout shades, offer protection from harmful UV rays that can damage furniture, flooring, and artwork.

Glare Reduction: Skylights can cause glare on screens and surfaces, making it difficult to work or relax in rooms with direct sunlight. Window treatments allow you to control glare without sacrificing natural light.

Enhanced Privacy: If your skylights are positioned in areas where privacy is a concern, window treatments provide an easy solution to block unwanted views from above.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Skylight Window Treatments to Lower Your Energy Bills

Skylights can enhance your home with natural light and architectural interest, but without proper treatment, they can also lead to higher energy costs. Investing in energy-efficient window treatments for skylights can help you regulate indoor temperatures, reduce the strain on your HVAC system, and ultimately lower your electric bill.

By choosing the right skylight window treatments, such as cellular shades, solar shades, or motorized blinds, you can enjoy the beauty of your skylights without sacrificing comfort or energy efficiency. For homeowners looking to save money on their electric bills, these window treatments offer a practical, stylish, and eco-friendly solution.