Monday, August 20, 2012

That was then, this is now...

You would never install single pane windows in your house, so why have outdated skylights on your roof? 

Old glass and acrylic skylights allow excess heat into your home in the summer and allow heat to escape in the winter.

All skylights have a finite lifespan and your old skylight could be:

Costing you money in heating and cooling costs
Contributing to extreme temperatures inside your home
Letting in a draft
Leaking and damaging your roof or ceiling 





We recently replaced this old skylight with a new energy efficient VELUX Skylight.

VELUX is the nation's leading manufacturer of quality skylights. They use the most modern technologies to make their products energy efficient:

LoE3 glass skylights
Argon Gas insulation

Adding VELUX Blinds to your skylight increases your satisfaction:

You can control the quality of light that enters your space. 
They help you keep your home at a comfortable temperature
They make you skylight even more efficient which reduces energy consumption and costs

Naturalight, Inc. is a certified VELUX 5-Star Skylight Specialist that can help you determine which VELUX Blinds will work best for your new or existing skylights. 

Call Naturalight Solar today for a free estimate: 707-527-5330

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Sonoma County Fair Discounts


The Sonoma County fair opens today!
Wednesday, July 25th.

Local farmers, ranchers, businesses, and talents come together to celebrate all the wonderful products that come from Sonoma County.

To help you celebrate Naturalight Solar is offering SC Fair discounts!

Between July 25th and August 12th you can get:

$25 off one VELUX SUN TUNNEL
$60 off two VELUX SUN TUNNELS
$100 off three VELUX SUN TUNNELS
$150 of four VELUX SUN TUNNELS

Please call for a free estimate: 707-527-5330.

*Prices apply to appointments made between July 25th and August 12th and cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.
*Discount applies to all three sizes of VELUX SUN TUNNELS, 10”,14”, and 22”.

Naturalight Solar, Inc. in Sonoma County

Naturalight Solar Inc is a local family run business. Our family has been in the Sonoma County construction industry for over 30 years. We are committed to providing you with quality products and service.

We decided to make light our specialty because of all its benefits to your health and happiness The products we endorse help you to reduce your electricity usage either through using natural light in your home, or using solar to cool your house or heat your water.

 When you choose Naturalight Solar for your natural daylighting or construction needs, know you have chosen a local company that will be around to take care of you in the future. We are your local skylight specialists.


GENERAL FAIR INFORMATION
2012 DATES
July 25 - August 12, closed on Mondays

HOURS
Gates open daily 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Carnival open daily 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Exhibit buildings open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

LOCATION
1350 Bennet Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

TICKETS
General admission $10 ages 13 & up
Children $5 ages 7 - 12
Ages 6 & younger FREE!
Ages 7 - 12 FREE on Fridays
Seniors 60 & up free on Thursdays
Enduring, favorite family pastime, memories, local products
http://www.sonomacountyfair.com/fair/sonoma-county-fair.php


Naturalight Solar, Inc. dba Naturalight Construction is a
VELUX Five Star Skylight and Solar Water Heating Specialist.

Here is a list of some of our products and services:
VELUX skylights: deck mount; curb mount fixed, electric, and manual operable
VELUX blinds: manual, electric, or solar remote control
Skylight blinds and shades to fit almost any size or brand
VELUX commercial skylights: dual glazed glass or dual bubble
VELUX SUN TUNNEL skylights: 10”/14”/22” diameters w/ light kit & dimmer options
VELUX solar water heating systems: residential and commercial
VELUX roof hatch skylights
TruFrame skylights: fixed and operable; dual glazed glass or dual bubble
Installation of replacement skylights or new skylights
Leak repair and maintenance for all types and brands of skylights and tubes
Residential and commercial repairs and remodeling
SunRise Solar powered attic fans
Solatube daylighting systems: 10”/14” diameter w/ light kit, vent kit, dimmer options

You can count on us to do a careful and professional job.  We’ve done over 7,000 local residential and commercial installations.
Please call us for any assistance you may need with your project: 707-527-5330



Tuesday, July 17, 2012

What does loE3 glass do for you?


You’ve heard that VELUX skylights are built using energy efficient LoE3 and Argon gas injected dual glass panes, but what does that mean for you?

What is LoE3 glass?
·       LoE is a microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layer deposited on a skylight glazing surface to reduce the skylight U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow through the skylight.  
·       LoE3 stands for low-emission cubed. It is currently the lowest emission glass available.

What does LoE3 glass do for you?
·       It helps reduce the amount the ultraviolet (UV) light and radiation.
·       Protects walls and furnishings from sun damage and fading.
·       Keeps warm air out in the summer and cool air out in the winter
·       Saves you money: properly installed loE glass can reduce your overall energy bills by up to one third.

Why are VELUX Skylights filled with Argon?
          
·  Argon is an inert gas and is a better insulator than air. By sealing it between two panes of glass, you have less transmitted heat/cold into your living space.

Is a glass skylight better than an acrylic (plastic) skylight? 
          
· VELUX glass skylights are superior to plastic in every respect. It is more energy efficient and more durable. Glass skylights reduce external noises, won’t discolor, or leak or allow drafts. 

Replace your old acrylic or glass skylight with an energy efficient VELUX Skylight:
·       Save money on your electric bill
·       Protect your home’s interior

Call Naturalight Solar today for your free estimate: 707-527-5330


Articles:


























Friday, July 13, 2012

Save Money, Stay Cool with the SunRise Solar Attic Fan


From the Honolulu International Airport to the Indiana Governor's mansion, to homes worldwide, SunRise Solar attic fans have delivered proven savings, slashing energy consumption by up to 30%.

Like traditional attic fans, solar attic fans remove hot, stagnant air from your attic which allows your air conditioner to more efficiently cool your house – cutting your energy costs up to 30% while extending the life of your HVAC. What makes solar attic fans even better is that they require no electricity. That means not only are your operational costs zero but installation is wire free and a breeze!
Solar attic fans are almost undetectable. With a sleek design for every rooftop, solar attic fans blend seamlessly into your roofline. And unlike an electric attic fan, they are extremely quiet. If it wasn’t for the energy savings, you might forget it’s there.

Cost Benefits:

Factor:
The SunRise 850™
Conventional Electric Fan
Cost of Fan
$495
$129
Fan Installation
$150*
$200
Wiring Cost
$0
$200
Electricity Usage (12 Months)
$0
$225   (average annual cost*)
Total
$695
$754
30% Tax Credit
-($194*)
-($0)
1 Year Cost
$451
$754


Cost in Year:


Two
$0
$225
Three
$0
$225
Four
$0
$225
Five
$0
$225
Total Five Year:
$486
$900
Continued Operation:
Operates for Free!
The Cost Keeps on Going!

Other, Non-monetary Factors


Factor:
The SunRIse 850™
Conventional Electric Fan
Attic Fire Risk
None
Moderate
Noise Problems
None
Moderate-Loud




*$150 average Naturalight Solar installation cost in Sonoma County, 1 story, walkable composition roof
*$194 Rebate = 30% off labor and materials
*$225 Average annual cost calculated assumes average or $.15 per kW-h, Fan runs noon-10PM, 300 hours per month,
           5 months (May-Sept) $.15 X300=45 45X5 =225


California rates vary from $.13-$.34 per kW-h. You can track your power usage prices here: http://www.pge.com/myhome/myaccount/charges/
Call for your free SunRise Solar Attic Fan estimate: 707-527-5330

Monday, July 2, 2012

The Whole Truth about Attic Ventilation


An effective attic ventilation system is a fundamental concern
every month of the year.
Most homeowners believe the principal purpose of attic ventilation is to remove heat from the attic in the summer.  That’s true.
But attic ventilation also removes damaging moisture in the winter. 
During the heat of the summer, ventilation helps keep attics cool.  During the cold winter months, constant airflow in the attic reduces potentially damaging moisture.  Properly ventilating attics is an essential precaution to protecting the long-term well-being and value of your home. 

The integrity of roofing and insulation performance is directly related to the effectiveness of attic ventilation:
When inadequate attic ventilation exists, insulation no longer can compensate effectively for temperature extremes.  Studies have shown that the dynamics of air movement throughout a house usually produces moisture in the attic, where it condenses on rafters and roof decking.  Left unchecked, this condensation can saturate the roof, attic floorboards, insulation, and even walls and ceilings. 
             A high-efficiency ventilation system helps solve attic moisture problems by allowing a uniform flow of air to sweep the underside of the roof sheathing.  In higher heat, this ventilation system will exhaust hot air from the attic reducing the temperature in the home’s living spaces.  In colder weather, it exchanges warm, moist air with cooler, drier air.  In both cases, the result is greater living comfort, less energy use and less structural damage.
Efficient insulation increases the need for effective ventilation.
Heavier insulation holds and absorbs more heat resulting in overwhelming attic heat buildup.    On hot days the upper rooms of a home are always warmer.   In most homes, the lack of adequate attic ventilation actually causes the downward flow of heat.  With an unventilated or inadequately ventilated attic, the longer the hot weather persists, the more uncomfortable (or unbearable) the home becomes because the heat loss overnight insufficiently compensates for the heat gained during the day.  Ultimately, this heat accumulation costs homeowners more to operate their air conditioning units and fans, a problem further magnified during these times of rising energy prices and black out periods.

Homeowners today have a variety of choices for ventilating their attic. The three most predominate systems are:
*      passive systems
*      electric-powered systems
*      solar-powered systems

Solar-powered systems are the most versatile and efficient ventilation system.  Solar-powered units do not need breezes, but do require locations that receive adequate sun exposure for peak operational performance.
Like traditional attic fans, solar attic fans remove hot, stagnant air from your attic which allows your air conditioner to more efficiently cool your house – cutting your energy costs up to 30% while extending the life of your HVAC. What makes solar attic fans even better is that they require no electricity. That means not only are your operational costs zero but installation is wire free and a breeze!
As the inventor of the original solar attic fan, SunRise Solar has proven to be an industry leader for over 10 years.

SunRise Solar attic fans are almost undetectable. With a sleek design for every rooftop, solar attic fans blend seamlessly into your roofline. And unlike an electric attic fan, they are extremely quiet. If it wasn’t for the energy savings, you might forget it’s there.

SunRise Solar's fans have been named "Best Product" by BUILDERnews Magazine and "Most Valuable Product" by Building Products Magazine two years in a row.
SunRise Solar attic fans are made out of UV stabilized ABS plastic - the same material used on car bumpers, kayaks, motorcycle helmets, playground equipment and much more. It's completely noncorrosive, heat and flame resistant and can withstand environmental abuse that metals cannot.
Call Naturalight Solar today for you free attic ventilation quote: 707-527-5330

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

SunRise Solar Attic Fan


The Solar Advantage

Like traditional attic fans, solar attic fans remove hot, stagnant air from your attic which allows your air conditioner to more efficiently cool your house – cutting your energy costs up to 30% while extending the life of your HVAC. What makes solar attic fans even better is that they require no electricity. That means not only are your operational costs zero but installation is wire free and a breeze!

Solar attic fans are almost undetectable. With a sleek design for every rooftop, solar attic fans blend seamlessly into your roofline. And unlike an electric attic fan, they are extremely quiet. If it wasn’t for the energy savings, you might forget it’s there.

The SunRise Solar Attic Fan has a built in solar panel powering a whisper quiet fan that sucks the excess heat out of your attic.  Since it gets its power from the sun, it costs you nothing to operate.  The SunRise Fan is so quiet you won’t even know it is running and it is completely automatic.  Reducing your attic temperature will reduce your cooling energy bills and protect the life of your home.

The SunRise Solar Attic Fan comes in various sizes to fit your ventilation needs:

850 = 11 watts                        1050 = 15 watts                      1250 = 20 watts Up
To 1200 square ft                     1200-1600 square ft                1600-2000 square ft

Call Naturalight Solar today and speak to your local attic ventilation professionals.

For a free quote call: 707-527-5330

You can visit the SunRise Solar website at:
http://www.sunrisesolar.net/


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Control the light with ease and style


You know that natural light in your home or workspace is important, but what if you don’t want direct light all the time?

You can use VELUX products to control the flow of natural light into your home:

Electric Blackout Blind or Manual Blackout Blind
The blackout blind can convert day into night, blocking even the brightest sunlight, which makes it ideal for rooms that require total room darkening, such as bedrooms

The blind is powered by a battery which is charged by the sun and thus does not require wiring at installation.

Electric Light Filtering Blind or Manual Light Filtering Blind
No longer is direct sunlight an issue with the roller blind. Soft, diffused light is all that will enter your room. Perfect for rooms when diffused light is desired such as home offices, playrooms, kitchens and bathrooms.

The operation of the roller blind is powered by a battery charged by solar cells (charged by the sun). The solar cell unit is discretely integrated in the control bar. The blind can be operated even at night time and when the sun does not shine.

The blind is lowered and raised manually with a stylish control bar. The slats are tilted with an award-winning control mechanism and can be set at any angle.

The blackout blind is ideal for rooms that require total room darkening, such as bedrooms. Installs in seconds, easy to operate, blocks out the light when not wanted. Designed for 10" and 14" VELUX SUN TUNNEL™.

Suzy Chiazzari, author and interior designer explains the moods you can create with natural light in your home:

Light has different qualities depending on weather, season, time of day, and location. We can reproduce the different types of light artificially and they affect the interactions we have in different rooms of our home.

Direct light is needed when we have to do a task requiring precision and concentration: reading, writing, painting, sewing, etc…

Reflected light is suitable in a room where you need an even distribution of light. When we require good general lighting, reflected and direct lighting work together to create harmonious and functional room lighting.

Filtered natural daylight creates a gentle quiet feeling. We often experience filtered light through blinds and shutters.

In his book- The Natural House- David Pearson recommends the best locations for rooms so they maximize sunlight. The bedrooms should be oriented towards sunrise; this puts us in touch with the natural cycle of day and night, so we wake up with the sun.

(Adapted from The Healing Home, by Suzy Chiazzari)

Suzy Chiazzari is the author of nine books on Color Therapy, Color Therapeutics and Holistic Living including the best-selling international title, The Complete Book of Color.

Call Naturalight Solar today to get your free estimate 707-527-5330.