Cooperative Living September 2018 - 29

spaces that a traditional skylight can't, and
can be a better choice in rooms with high
moisture, like bathrooms, saunas or indoor
swimming pools.
As you consider your options, it may be
worthwhile to think back to your goals.
Perhaps you can gain more light in these
rooms without installing a skylight by
trying these steps:
* Paint the room a lighter color.
* Hang mirrors.
* Replace heavy window coverings with
lighter ones.
* Add indirect lighting such as upwardfacing
pole lamps.
* Trim any trees that shade the windows.
If you've done your research and decide to
move forward with new skylights, I hope you
will consider buying the best product your
budget will accommodate -- and find a
contractor with experience and solid
references to provide the installation.
Good luck! 
This column was co-written by Pat Keegan
and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency.
For more information on skylights, please visit:
collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.
LANDSCAPE
YOUR WAY TO
ENERGY SAVINGS
Heating and cooling
is the largest energy
expense for most homes.
In fact, it accounts for
over 50% of energy use.
Smart landscaping is an
easy, cost-effective and
aesthetically pleasing
way to lower your home
energy costs.
START PLANNING
Create your home's
landscaping blueprint
with a printable PDF at
ee.odec.com/landscaping
co-opliving.com
September 2018 | Cooperative Living | 27
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
For an introduction to skylights, start here:
- diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/doors-and-windows/10-things-youshould-know-before-installing-a-skylight
-
theconstructor.org/building/types-of-skylights-roof/13722/
- hometips.com/buying-guides/skylights.html
- energyauditingblog.com/what-is-a-solar-tube
To learn more about energy efficiency and skylights, see:
- nfrc.org/energy-performance-label
- energystar.gov/products/building_products/residential_windows_doors_and_sky
lights/independently_tested_certified_energy_performance
For general initial installation tips, check out these sites:
- energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/skylights
- diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/walls-and-ceilings/skylight-installation-tips
For some cautionary advice about skylights, read these:
- greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights
- energyvanguard.com/blog/the-benefits-and-drawbacks-of-skylights
And finally, here are some hints on how to achieve many of the benefits of a sky
light without installing one:
- elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g3464/how-to-brighten-a-dark-room
SOURCES:
- nfrc.org/energy-performance-label
- diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/walls-and-ceilings/skylight-installation-tips
- greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights
- energyvanguard.com/blog/the-benefits-and-drawbacks-of-skylights
- energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/skylights
- greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights
- greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights
- theconstructor.org/building/types-of-skylights-roof/13722
- elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g3464/how-to-brighten-a-dark-room
- greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/doors-and-windows/10-things-you http://www.theconstructor.org/building/types-of-skylights-roof/13722/ http://www.hometips.com/buying-guides/skylights.html http://www.energyauditingblog.com/what-is-a-solar-tube http://www.nfrc.org/energy-performance-label http://www.energystar.gov/products/building_products/residential_windows_doors_and_sky http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/skylights http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/walls-and-ceilings/skylight-installation-tips http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-benefits-and-drawbacks-of-skylights http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g3464/how-to-brighten-a-dark-room http://www.nfrc.org/energy-performance-label http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/walls-and-ceilings/skylight-installation-tips http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/the-benefits-and-drawbacks-of-skylights http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/skylights http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights http://www.theconstructor.org/building/types-of-skylights-roof/13722 http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g3464/how-to-brighten-a-dark-room http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/why-i-hate-hate-hate-skylights http://www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips http://ee.odec.com/landscaping http://www.co-opliving.com

Cooperative Living September 2018

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