(ARA) - Lighter and brighter is a winning combination in many rooms, but
in the kitchen it’s a must since that’s one of the most used rooms in
most homes.
Experts say to lighten cabinets, countertops, walls and floors and
you’re half way there. Add one or more skylights to fill the room with
healthful, balanced natural light, plus more ventilation, and you’ve
economically upgraded one of the most used areas of your home. And
skylights don’t take up wall space like vertical windows so you can have
more space for shelves or cabinets or for decorating.
According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America,
light from above makes all rooms more functional and livable. “But
kitchens are especially enjoyable for family and guests when they are
bright, cheerful, and free of cooking odors, heat and humidity,” he
says.
Venting skylights in the kitchen release hot air, moisture, and odors
while admitting additional light for more pleasant cooking, dining and
entertaining. And skylights, along with accessories including blinds and
shades, can be controlled manually or by remote control with the touch
of a button. Electrochromic glass is also available in skylights. This
new technology allows homeowners to lighten and darken the glass with
the touch of a remote and the view of the sky is never lost.
The trend toward additional daylighting in kitchens is driven not only
by homeowner desires for bright, open, energy-efficient spaces, but also
health considerations. Adding more natural light to the kitchen, where
families tend to gather much of the time for studying and socializing,
in addition to dining, has many health benefits.
Studies show that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), evidenced by
emotional depression, a drop in physical energy, increased appetite, and
need for more sleep, is directly linked to a lack of sufficient
daylight. Also, we need vitamin D for calcium to be absorbed by the body
to strengthen teeth, bones and tissue to maintain a healthy skeleton
throughout life. Two sources of vitamin D are diet and sunlight and in
healthy human bodies, 80 percent of vitamin D is produced in the skin
when it is exposed to natural light.
Lighting designers and other housing professionals can help homeowners
select a combination of natural and artificial lighting methods that
will make kitchens even more pleasant and functional. Balanced lighting
is the key.
And now is a particularly good time to consider upgrading existing
skylights or adding new units to qualify for a tax credit of up to $200
under the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. Details are available at
www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm.
For information on natural light and skylight selection call (800)
283-2831 or visit www.veluxusa.com.
For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency
visit www.energystar.gov, and
for independent agency information visit
www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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