Sun Tunnels vs Skylights: The Right Choice for Your Home
Introduction
In most cases, natural light is all it takes to turn dim spaces into bright and inviting areas. Besides creating a welcoming feel, it can also lift your mood and cut down reliance on artificial lighting. Of course, let’s not forget the improved energy efficiency that leads to long-term savings! And when it comes to bringing more sunlight indoors, the choices often come down to a sun tunnel vs skylight.
Both options can enhance your living space, but they differ in many ways. You can decide which option works best for your home by understanding these differences.
What Is a Skylight?
Essentially, a skylight is a roof window that brings a lot of sunlight into a room and offers a direct view of the sky. It lets in wide, dramatic daylight that can transform spaces like kitchens and living areas, even bedrooms. Depending on your preference, they can be fixed or designed to open for added ventilation.
Besides brightening your interiors, having a sun light for your roof lets you connect with the outdoor environment by letting you enjoy natural light throughout the day. They can be tailored to complement your home’s style with different options in sizes and finishes. If you’re seeking maximum daylight and a bold architectural feature, skylights are a strong choice.
What Is a Sun Tunnel?
A sun tunnel works by directing sunlight through a reflective tube that runs from the roof to the ceiling inside your home. Also known as a solar tube, it lights up interior areas where skylights aren’t practical, such as hallways and closets.
Installing a sun tunnel is less invasive, making it more affordable and quicker to set up. With a compact design and reflective lining, it helps improve energy efficiency by delivering bright natural light while minimizing heat transfer. If you want subtle but effective lighting, a rooflight tunnel provides a practical and budget-friendly solution.
Key Differences Between Skylights and Sun Tunnels
When comparing a sun tunnel vs skylight, it’s not necessarily about which one is better at letting in more light because there’s no doubt that both can brighten your home. They just do so in different ways. Here’s how they compare across different factors:
Complexity of installation
Installing a skylight involves cutting a larger opening in the roof and ceiling, and then framing that area. It may even require additional drywall or roofing materials for the finishing touches. With more extensive work, skylight installation usually takes several days and may involve different trades, from roofers to carpenters and painters.
On the other hand, sun tunnels are quicker and less disruptive to install. We just need to cut smaller holes for the roof dome and interior diffuser, then secure the reflective tunnel in between. This makes them a convenient, cost-effective option if you want more daylight without committing to major construction.
Lighting efficiency
Skylights are like windows that bring in a large amount of direct sunlight, but they’re installed on the roof. This makes them ideal for bigger rooms such as kitchens and living rooms. You just need to make sure that they’re properly insulated so they don’t increase heat gain in the summer or cause heat loss in the winter.
Sun tunnels provide less light overall, but they still deliver a steady, natural glow that works well in smaller or enclosed areas. Thanks to the tunnel’s reflective surface, the sunlight is amplified and spread evenly throughout the space. They’re especially effective in hallways and bathrooms — spaces where direct sunlight isn’t necessary but added brightness makes a big difference.
Comparing the costs
Depending on size, style, and installation needs, the cost for a new skylight can range from about $2,800 to $4,700. The complexity of the project and extra materials such as flashing or insulation also drive up the price, making skylights a larger investment.
Want a more budget-friendly solution? A rooflight tunnel can be a good option. With simpler and less labor-intensive work, the cost of sun tunnel installation is usually between $850 and $2,250. So, it’s often more cost-effective than a sun light for your roof.
Energy efficiency and performance
Skylights let in generous amounts of daylight, but they can also affect your energy bills. Without the right insulation or glazing, they may let heat escape in winter or allow too much warmth in during summer. Advanced options like skylights with Low-E coatings improve efficiency but usually come at a higher price.
In terms of energy use, sun tunnels tend to perform better because they’re smaller and don’t provide direct exposure to the outdoors. This makes them more effective in reducing heat transfer and keeping indoor temperatures stable. That means you get extra light without compromising comfort and efficiency.
Maintenance and durability
Modern skylights often include solar-powered features such as blinds or venting systems. These upgrades can make your home eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which takes 30% off the installation cost. This incentive can offset some of the higher upfront expense and make skylights more appealing.
There are not many tax credits for sun tunnels, but models with solar-powered night lights may qualify. While the benefits are more limited compared to skylights, these features can still provide savings and add convenience.
Which Is Right For Your Home?
If your goal is to fill a large room with plenty of daylight and create a dramatic focal point, a skylight is a strong choice. It delivers maximum brightness and architectural interest, especially in living rooms and kitchens, even in master bedrooms.
Looking to brighten a smaller or windowless room with less construction and at a lower cost? A sun tunnel can be a better choice. It offers subtle, consistent natural light while keeping installation simple and budget-friendly.
Conclusion
Both skylights and sun tunnels can improve the way your home looks and feels, but the right option depends on your space, budget, and lighting goals.
Still can’t decide on a sun tunnel vs skylight? If you’d like expert guidance, Clark Roofing is here to help. Our team will review your home’s design, efficiency needs, and style preferences to recommend the perfect solution. Even if you’re using a PEMB building to craft your home, our roofing contractor will ensure that you can maximize its energy efficiency with sun tunnels or skylights. Call 254-374-4477 today to start your consultation.