Why So Many People Use Artificial Lighting in Daylight – And Should You?
It is common to enter a house during the day when the sun is shining outside and see that the electric lights are on. This happens because not enough sunlight enters the building. Electric lighting allows the indoors to be properly illuminated. Another reason for interior dimness is that today an increasing number of people keep their windows closed to keep pollution outside the home. This pollution also leaves grime and soot on the glass, which, though not clearly visible to us, does reduce the amount of light that passes through the glass. Turning on electric lighting is a simple and easy way to overcome the problem. But it’s not a good solution.
Why Electric Lights During the Day Are a Bad Idea
- Your body uses the circadian rhythm to balance its activity and rest cycle. This rhythm is controlled by the daylight and night cycle, and exposure to artificial light during the day disturbs it, which causes a variety of health problems.
- Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your sleep. Exposure to artificial light during the day affects its production and, so, affects your sleep quality.
- This disruption to the circadian rhythm and melatonin production can result in unwanted weight gain and poor memory, and could open the door to several serious health complications.
- Furthermore, using electric lights during the day will increase your electricity bills.
- Turning on electric lights in the day also increases your home’s carbon dioxide emissions and reduces its green footprint.
The Better Way to Bring In Light
If you want your home to be a happier and healthier place and one where the occupants will be more comfortable, consider increasing the amount of sunlight that comes in. If you live in California, you may have read about home renovation daylighting upgrades in Santa Clara County and other parts of the state. But if you think that this option is too complicated and expensive, there is another alternative which is surprisingly simple and economical – tubular skylights. These are high-tech devices that use small roof-mounted sunlight collectors to capture light and then carry it to the interior of the house using special reflective tubing to minimize light loss during transportation. No costly and messy structural modifications are needed. The installation can be done in a matter of hours. And the light can be made available even in the most interior parts of the house. This already cost-effective solution is made even more attractive by the 30% federal tax credit for daylighting installation in California. The best tubular skylights are made by Solatube. Check out Sunlight Concepts, the Solatube premier dealer for the Bay Area, to learn all you need to know about tubular skylights. Ask for the free consultation to find out how tubular skylights will benefit your home and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people use artificial lighting during the day?
Many homes don’t get enough natural sunlight due to closed windows, pollution buildup on glass, or poor lighting design. This forces homeowners to rely on electric lights even when the sun is out.
Is using artificial light during daytime harmful?
Yes. It can disturb your circadian rhythm, affect melatonin production, reduce sleep quality, and even lead to health issues like fatigue and weight gain.
How can I increase natural light without major renovation?
Tubular skylights are a simple and affordable option. They use roof-mounted collectors and reflective tubes to bring sunlight deep inside your home, without messy structural work.
Are daylighting upgrades expensive in California?
Not necessarily. With the 30% federal tax credit for daylighting installation in California, homeowners can reduce costs significantly, making upgrades more affordable.
What is the benefit of tubular skylights for homes in Santa Clara County?
They brighten dark interiors, reduce daytime energy use, lower electricity bills, and improve overall comfort. Many Santa Clara County homeowners choose them as a fast home renovation daylighting upgrade.
Where can I get professional daylighting solutions in the Bay Area?
Sunlight Concepts, a certified Solatube dealer, offers expert guidance, tubular skylight installation, and free consultations for homeowners looking to improve natural lighting.