The Energy-Efficient Bathroom Addition That Will Save You Money In The Long Run

A big component of reducing your energy costs at home is to use energy-efficient features and appliances. It's good to think of energy-efficiency in the bathroom because it's a place where we tend to use up a lot of resources, from water to heat, and so smart choices in this room can go a long way. Some ideas are LED bulbs and proper insulation to conserve energy, and efficient flush mechanisms to save water. Another energy-efficient bathroom addition to consider is a skylight. It lets in natural light from the roof, which reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, saving money in the long run.

Skylights are nice additions for the bathroom for two more reasons. They let in more light, which can make the place feel more open and airy, and they can facilitate better ventilation — two things that are especially helpful when you're working with a tiny bathroom. Of course, a skylight can do this in other parts of the home, too. It can bring in more light and air to an attic, living room, or corridor (wherever you install it, it's good to keep it clean and spotless, so take these 4 tips for easily cleaning your skylights). 

With bathroom skylights, it's crucial to get the right type in order for it to be energy-efficient. Not all skylights are actually designed to be energy-efficient, so something to look out for is the ENERGY STAR® label. If a product has this, you can also look for a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label, which will provide more information about its energy properties, per The U.S. Department of Energy.

Other factors that determine the efficacy of your bathroom skylight are the size, location of installation, slope, and whether it opens or not. Skylights that can open like windows come in handy when you need ventilation in the bathroom, while the location needs to be based on your climate and roof direction. For example, if the skylight is placed in a way where it lets in direct sun all day, you'll have a lot of light, but it will be uncomfortable on a hot day. It's best to have your bathroom skylight installed to let in balanced light and heat. Before installing one, it's best to determine if a skylight is right for your home.