Want an energy efficient and comfortable living space? The best way to properly ventilate your house is to carefully include ventilation features and factors in the initial design process. This is where good communication with your architects is vital.
To do this you need to make it clear that you wish to prioritise proper ventilation and discuss it early in the planning process. Whether it’s through skylights and window placement, or ventilation systems like a whole house fan, or even the way the building is laid out. The same is important to discuss before renovations begin.
So, if you have an existing building or a new development planned and would like to improve the ventilation, this article is for you!
What is the Purpose and Value of Ventilation Architecture?
The main purpose of ventilation architecture is to ensure a healthy breathing environment and control temperature without using artificial cooling systems that recirculate air. Proper ventilation dilutes pollutants from the air by introducing fresh air and works to remove some pollutants from the building. Ventilation also helps to prevent moisture buildup and carbon dioxide levels from rising.
In larger rooms where mass assemblies of people occur, like halls and cinemas, ventilation is crucial for temperature control and to remove stuffy, polluted, and dusty air. Homes work on a smaller scale, but similar principles apply. All the above can easily be achieved by including smart design elements and practical installations in the initial architectural design of your home.
What is the Best Way to Circulate Air in a House?
Experts often have two favourite ways to best circulate air in your home.
One way is balanced circulation. A balanced ventilation system is where separate fans drive the flow of air, both the inlet and exhaust. This gives you control over where the air is delivered, where it comes from, and where exhaust air is drawn from. A whole house fan in this way to drive out used air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
Other effective ways to achieve proper ventilation is adding features like a ventilated skylight or a roof ventilation system. This is an excellent and affordable solution, especially where having two fans isn’t possible.
Solatube also have a ventilation add-on kit that fully integrates with their Solatube® 160 DS skylight to offer ventilation in combination with the introduction of daylight.
By having smart ventilation features there’s no need for additional fans and ventilation features that take a lot of energy to run.
Our Top Ventilation Recommendations for Your Home That Can Be Added During OR After Building and Renovations
Artificial cooling can impose a high energy cost. Finding solutions to naturally circulate air inside a house or building, at lower costs are essential. Here are the top ventilation recommendations to consider when looking for better circulation inside a house:
- The Solar Star: As the name suggests, the Solar Star is a fan powered by the sun, making it cost-effective, and energy efficient. It only required approximately 2 hours for installation of each unit.
- Solatube Whole House Fan: The Whole House Fan is an excellent way of achieving ventilation across your entire home with one installation. It’s the most effective ventilation option Solatube has to offer in terms of whole house ventilation.
- Skylights: Skylights are the most natural way of ventilation and bring light into dark places. Ventilation add-ons are available for our tubular device installations.
- Vented electric fans: Vented electric fans are effective, but unfortunately somewhat costly since they need to run regularly, which also means more cleaning and maintenance.
- Whirlybirds: Whirlybirds have zero operational costs. Just remember that they rely on temperature differentials to work.
There are a variety of ventilation options available from Solatube, just ask our friendly sales team!
It’s clear that ventilation is more important than you may realise and deserves a spot on your priority list when designing your home or other buildings. Ventilation architecture has improved a lot over the years, but there is always room for improvement.
For the current market leading solutions that will get your home properly ventilated, contact Solatube today for your obligation free quote!
The post Why Planning is Essential for Good Ventilation in Your Home appeared first on Solatube Australia.
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By: Solatube Australia
Title: Why Planning is Essential for Good Ventilation in Your Home
Sourced From: solatube.com.au/blog/why-planning-is-essential-for-good-ventilation-in-your-home/
Published Date: Wed, 08 Mar 2023 23:58:46 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference in roof windows and skylights?
Roof windows and skylights both provide light, ventilation, and a view of the outside world. The main difference between roof windows and skylights is that skylights are designed to be placed on an existing roof, while roof windows require the construction of new roofing material.
To install skylights, you need to cut a hole in your roof so that the frame meets the surface. This eliminates any potential disruption to architectural components inside the home or building. Roof windows are more complex because they need to be accommodated.
Both skylights and roof windows can be insulated with low-E coatings, double-paned glass and argon gas. This will improve their energy efficiency. Skylights perform better in warmer climates than windows frames, which absorb more thermal radiation when they are exposed to direct sunlight.
Both skylights and rooftop windows allow for the best views. They are situated directly under the outdoor area, which can be accessed from higher levels via steps or ladders. However, since skylights are often small in size compared with other types of glass openings, large areas won’t benefit from them as much as from larger windows placed strategically along multiple walls instead.
A variety of frames are available depending on exterior styles, such as modern or classic homes, for skylights and windows. Tinted and decorative glass panes provide privacy and interest to match your tastes. At the same time, you can let the sun’s rays into your home at different times of each day. This will brighten up interiors without paying extra for electrical lighting.
What is the difference in a roof light and skylight?
A skylight and a roofing light are commonly regarded as the same thing. There is however a subtle difference between the two. Skylights are typically recessed into the roof structure while roof lights are usually surface mounted.
Roof lights are more flexible in how you place your lighting fixtures. They can be mounted on walls or ceilings. Skylights can be integrated naturally into roofs. This reduces interior aesthetics and provides unmatched energy efficiency.
Roof lights can have many reflective coatings. From metal reflectors to low e glass, these control heat transfer and reflection. Advanced coatings are also available for skylights, but they must be weatherproofed to prevent water ingress.
When looking at a new project, there are two options: a skylight that allows natural daylight in or a rooflight that provides additional lighting. Both have distinct advantages over other artificial lighting solutions. However these options can come with different costs, depending on how complex the area is and what reflective coatings are used.
What is the maximum size of a skylight?
Several factors, including the roof pitch, building codes, mounting system, and window type determine the size of a skylight. A skylight may be single-pane 24″x30″, or multi-pane 4″x8″ glass roof lights. These sizes are generally allowed by building codes.
A standard glass skylight can be installed in an existing roof. It is usually 2 feet wide by 2 feet high, or 3 feet wide x 2 feet high. If structural support is required, large single-pane rooflights up to 48″ can be used. The sky arts size can be increased to 36 for complex shapes such as circles and hexagons.
For multi-pane glass systems or multiple pane configurations, larger sizes of up to 8′ can also be custom-made. This includes strengthened frames and extra supports that are required for roof applications such vaulted ceilings. These larger multi-panes will also have higher U value ratings for improved energy efficiency.
Most residential skylights can be sized up to 5’x5′. If the skylight is installed correctly, however, it may be possible to use larger sizes (10’x10’ or greater depending on the material and support system used in each home.
What is the average cost of a skylight?
The cost of skylights depends on many factors. Cost depends on several factors, including the size and shape of your window, the type and quantity of glass used and any additional components. A basic skylight costs between $200 and $600. More intricate designs and more expensive materials will increase the cost.
Vinyl frames are the most widely used type of skylight framework and are often used for smaller windows with widths less than 36inches. These generally range between $200 and $500. Metal and wood frames are better suited for those with smaller needs or who prefer a high-quality look. The average cost of these materials can range somewhere between $400 and $1,300 depending on size, shape, and material quality.
Tempered glass is generally less expensive than laminated, but it has certain advantages like lower sound reverberation inside your home. Prices vary according to tint. Tints with darker tints are more resistant to heat and require more energy-efficient glasses panels. These glass panels will cost you significantly more than tints with lighter colors that allow for more natural lighting into your home.
Last, consider the cost of installation when calculating the final price for a skylight. Because labor costs vary from one region to the other, make sure to speak with local professionals to receive a quote that includes both materials and installation fees. It’s reasonable to expect an overall cost of $900 to $3,000 for more complex shapes and larger sizes. Contractor assistance is also required.
What’s the purpose of a skylight?
A skylight window is a window installed on the roof to provide natural daylight and/or ventilation. Skylight windows are designed to provide an attractive natural source of light in your home. They are typically used in bathrooms and kitchens. But they can also used in living areas, bedrooms, and other spaces throughout the house.
Skylight windows can be used to let more natural light in than traditional wall windows. They are especially useful for dark or otherwise non-lighting areas. The added sunlight can increase moods and decrease electricity consumption by eliminating the need to use artificial lighting. It also creates more attractive interior spaces.
Skylight windows also allow fresh air to enter your home, protecting it from extreme elements such as rain, wind, snow, and pests. Skylights reduce drafts in the home and allow for optimal ventilation throughout the year.
Because they are often installed at an angle away from direct heat sources during warm days (like neighbor’s walls that face the sun), they can help maintain cool temperatures in summer months. This will allow you to save significant money by not using your air conditioner as frequently.
Skylight windows, in general, have a pleasing aesthetic effect. They are vital for providing adequate comfort levels within buildings.
What are the benefits to skylights?
What are the many benefits of skylights Skylights can help you bring in natural light, creating a bright and airy space. Not only is natural light beneficial for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, but it can also help reduce energy costs.
Skylights also offer other benefits. Skylights are usually simpler to install than traditional windows, as they don’t need frames or additional materials. Skylights can also improve air circulation by eliminating damp spaces created by inadequate ventilation. Skylights also provide multiple light angles, which reduce glare and improve visibility for computer users.
Skylights are a great way to enhance any space’s aesthetics with their beautiful glass panes and sleek design. Skylights are available in many sizes and shapes. This allows you to pick the one that best suits your needs.
Skylights have both aesthetic and practical benefits. Skylights bring natural light into places where windows are not possible due to location or structural limitations. Skylights enhance the value of any house or office by increasing air circulation, decreasing energy consumption, and decreasing glare.
Statistics
- The 26% tax credit is available on solar skylights AND accessories, even if the solar accessory is purchased with a non-solar skylight. (skylightsforless.com)
- However, including all the expenses, skylight installations can cost you a good 600$ to 2500$. You can choose the skylight particulars according to your project specifications and budget constraints. (glassgenius.com)
- If the room has numerous windows, the skylight should not be more than 5 percent of the floor area and not more than 15 percent in rooms with few windows. (homedepot.com)
- If you replace your water heater the following year, you would be eligible for another 30% tax credit, up to $2,000 plus up to $600 if you need an electric panel upgrade to accommodate the new water heater. (energystar.gov)
- Installing and flashing the window itself will cost $200 to $300 for homes with asphalt shingles, and 20 to 30 percent more for metal or tile roofing. (thespruce.com)
External Links
energystar.gov
ecobuildingpulse.com
ocskylights.com
hgtv.com
How To
How to Measure your Roof for a Skylight Installation
This is an essential step to ensure a successful skylight installation. To make sure that the skylight is the right size for your roof and fits in place, you must know its exact measurements.
Measurements of your roof can be taken with a laser or measuring tape. These will accurately measure length, width, pitch and valley lengths. Also, measure areas that are blocked by vents or soffits.
Drawing a detailed sketch of your roof area, with all measurements included, is important. This will make it easier to place an order.
You’ll need the pitch to determine whether or not your existing framing has enough space to accommodate a new rooflight. It is also important to consider whether additional structural reinforcement might be required, which can happen if you want to add an oversized skylight unit to your roof structure.
In order to properly measure up windows, you need to take care. Unsightly gaps can form around the frame and/or make it difficult to open and close the windows. Without aligning with the window openings, carpentry skills could be necessary. This could increase the time and cost of the project. A professional installer should be used to measure walls for windows such skylight installations.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://newskylight.com/waterproofing-explained-what-is-grp-roofing/