COPYRIGHT 2016 JAMES DULLEY ( www.dulley.com/sea/ ) - April 2016 - (graphics ref. No. 163 at www.dulley.com/sea/column/2016-apr.htm )

"How to have more natural light indoors efficiently"

Dear Jim: I would like to bring in more natural light and use fewer lamps to save electricity. Installing a big skylight sounds expensive and inefficient. What other options and simple tips are there? - Roni H.

Dear Roni: Although the amount of electricity consumed for lighting, especially with LED bulbs, is relatively small compared to heating and cooling, it still adds up over an entire year. Natural lighting is free, does not damage the environment and many people, particularly the elderly, see better under natural light.

There are two aspects to effective natural lighting. One is getting the natural light indoors efficiently and the other is maintaining its brightness indoors. As you mentioned, skylights bring in a lot of light, but the big opening in the ceiling insulation envelope does lose energy.

Before considering any major improvement projects, such as new doors or windows, work indoors to improve light reflectivity in the rooms. Something as simple as painting the rooms a bright, even better white, color reduces the amount of natural light absorbed and lost. Including some colorful trim can jazz up white walls.

Placement of mirrors opposite windows can be effective. One method uses mirrors on opposite walls. This reflects light and the repeating images in the mirrors add a sense of depth to the room. For a window near a corner, place the mirror on the adjacent wall close to the window. It will reflect the light out at 90 degrees from the window to brighten the entire room. 

Most of the natural light comes in through windows. If you have relatively efficient newer windows, open the curtains or use just sheers during the daytime to allow light in. If you have old single-pane windows, use insulating shades. Opening them would lose more energy than you save on lighting. Prune back shrubs which have grown up and are blocking some glass area.

Tubular skylights are an efficient and effective alternative to a large skylight. They are efficient because only a one- to 1.5-foot hole needs to be cut into the ceiling and roof. On a sunny day, a small one-foot tubular skylight can produce as much light as four 100-watt incandescent bulbs.

A tubular skylight is a sheet metal tube which extends from a hole in the ceiling to one in the roof. Its interior surface is reflective so very little light brightness is lost as the rays bounce back and forth coming down into the room. Flexible tubes are available to simplify installation. 

A clear dome is sealed over the top and a diffuser snaps on the bottom at the ceiling. It looks like a recessed light. If they are too bright at times, an optional solar-powered, remote damper is available. For bathrooms, select a tubular skylight with a built-in vent fan. A prismatic top dome design captures more early morning and late afternoon light.

The following companies offer tubular skylight kits: AIA Industries, (800) 748-2036, aiaindustries.com; ODL, (800) 253-3900, www.odl.com; Solatube, (888) 765-2882, www.solatube.com; Sun-Dome, (800) 596-8414, www.sun-dome.com; and Velux, (800) 888-3589, www.veluxusa.com.

Dear Jim: I am adding a first floor bathroom on my family room. My house is airtight and I do not want to make any more exterior penetrations than is necessary. How can I vent the new plumbing? - Phil T.

Dear Phil: Installing a small air admittance valve (AAV) can take the place of running a standard plumbing vent pipe up through the roof. Since there is no roof penetration, they are easier to install and more efficient. 

An AAV is a six-inch high valve that allows air to enter the drain system, but it does not allow smelly sewer gases to exhaust. It works like a one-way check valve. One costs from $20 to $30 at plumbing supply outlets.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Publication Name, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.