Sustainable Technology: Ventilated Skylights

With its blazing sun and dramatic temperature swings, Southern California forces architects to rethink comfort and energy efficiency. In this context, skylights are more than just decorative features, actively shaping how a home manages heat. Fresh-air skylights, in particular, bring in natural light and fresh air without pushing up electricity bills.

How Do Skylights Help Beat the Heat?

Skylights operate on a basic principle: warm air rises and escapes through the opening, allowing cooler air to enter the space. This natural ventilation helps keep interiors pleasant throughout the day. You can feel the effect especially in coastal towns like Laguna Beach, where ocean breezes replace the afternoon heat. As a result, homes stay cooler, and air conditioning is not always necessary.

The effect does not stop at the coast. In places where the days are hot and the nights cooler, skylights help heat escape while the evening air settles in, keeping the space naturally comfortable.

Smart Velux Technology: Ventilation Without Lifting a Finger

Velux has enhanced its skylights by integrating them with smart home systems. VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO decides when to open a window automatically. It monitors temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels, and opens the skylight when the air inside feels stale. Everything works automatically, so you do not need to worry about it.

For areas with nearly year-round sunshine, such as Newport Beach, eco-friendly solar-powered skylights are efficient. They run on solar energy, require no wiring, and automatically close when it starts to rain.

Another advantage is that they block heat and UV rays while allowing natural light to pass through. Sunlight enters, but the heat does not stay inside. You can also choose custom skylight options that fit your interior, whether it is a city apartment or a home by the beach.

Light and Air as Everyday Comfort

Skylights do more than brighten up a room—they make life better. Natural light helps improve mood, sleep, and focus. Being able to ventilate prevents stuffiness and keeps the air fresh.

For example, in a coastal home, an automatic skylight can replace air conditioning on the hottest days by letting in a cool breeze when needed. A nice bonus is the reduction of allergens and dust. Warm air carries dust particles out, making it easier to breathe.

Skylights and Sustainable Design

Switching from mechanical ventilation to natural airflow is good for the environment and your budget. One of the biggest benefits of installing skylights at home is that you rely less on HVAC systems, which means lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Velux utilizes sustainable materials, such as FSC-certified wood. This helps homes qualify for green certifications, such as LEED and WELL.

Today, skylights are more than just a trend. They are a way to live comfortably and responsibly, mainly as climate change affects our weather. Velux skylights demonstrate how nature and technology can collaborate to create comfort while conserving resources.