Should You Get a SUN TUNNEL or a Skylight Installed? A Complete Guide to Help You Decide
When it comes to adding natural light to your home, there are a few options available: a SUN TUNNEL or a skylight. Both options allow natural light to flood your home, but each offers different features, benefits, and costs. Choosing the right one for your space depends on factors like budget, installation time, and the amount of light you want to let in. In this blog, we'll break down the differences between SUN TUNNELS and skylights, including installation time, costs, and other factors to consider before making your decision.
A SUN TUNNEL, also known as a solar tube, is a small, cylindrical system designed to capture and reflect sunlight into your home. Unlike a traditional skylight, a SUN TUNNEL uses a reflective tube that channels natural light into your space. It's an excellent option for areas where a traditional skylight might be too large or impractical.
Advantages of SUN TUNNELS:
Compact Design: A SUN TUNNEL is smaller and more discreet than a traditional skylight, making it perfect for rooms like bathrooms, closets, or hallways where space is limited.
Energy-Efficient: Like a skylight, a SUN TUNNEL reduces your reliance on artificial lighting, helping to lower your energy bills.
Quick Installation: SUN TUNNELs are easy to install and typically take only about 4 hours to complete, minimizing disruptions to your daily routine.
Affordable: A SUN TUNNEL is a more budget-friendly option, with prices typically starting around $2,000 depending on the complexity of the installation.
A skylight is a window installed in the roof that allows natural light to enter a room. Skylights come in various sizes and styles, including fixed skylights (which do not open) and ventilated skylights (which can be opened to let in fresh air).
Advantages of Skylights:
Larger Light Source: Skylights can bring in significantly more light compared to SUN TUNNELs, making them ideal for larger spaces such as living rooms, kitchens, or even home offices.
Air Circulation: Ventilated skylights allow you to open them for improved airflow, providing natural ventilation and reducing the need for artificial cooling or heating.
Aesthetic Appeal: Skylights offer a dramatic visual impact, adding an architectural element to your space. They can also provide a view of the sky or stars, adding an element of beauty to your home.
Higher Energy Savings: Larger skylights can capture more sunlight, leading to greater reductions in your lighting and energy costs.
However, the skylight installation process can be more time-consuming and expensive than a SUN TUNNEL. On average, the cost of a skylight installation ranges between $9,000 and $10,000 depending on the size, type, and location of the skylight, as well as any additional installation factors. Skylight installations generally take 4-5 days to complete due to the need for structural modifications and more complex installation procedures.
Note: Skylight installations in a loft or cathedral ceiling are much cheaper. When there is not a tall attic space cost is less.
Key Differences Between a SUN TUNNEL and a Skylight
Now that you know the basics of each, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between a SUN TUNNEL and a skylight:
 |  |  |
Cost | $2,000 (Installed) | $9,000-10,000 (Installed) |
Installation Time | 4 hours | 4-5 days |
Amount of Light | Limited light (great for smaller spaces) 325 sq ft for 14" unit | High amount of light (perfect for large rooms) |
Space Requirements | Compact, ideal for tight spaces like hallways or bathrooms | Larger space required for installation |
Energy Efficiency | Highly energy-efficient | Also energy-efficient, especially with double-glazed or solar-powered models |
Aesthetic Impact | Subtle and discreet | Dramatic, can be a focal point of a room |
Ventilation Options | No ventilation | Some skylights offer ventilation options |
Maintenance | Low maintenance | May require occasional cleaning or sealing |
Why Choose a SUN TUNNEL Over a Skylight?
A SUN TUNNEL is the right choice for those who want a simple, cost-effective way to bring more natural light into smaller spaces without breaking the bank. Here are some reasons you might choose a SUN TUNNEL over a skylight:
Budget-Friendly Option: At around $2,000, a SUN TUNNEL is an affordable solution compared to the higher installation costs of a skylight.
Quick Installation: With only 4 hours needed for installation, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light without the long wait time and potential disruption that comes with skylight installation.
Perfect for Smaller Spaces: SUN TUNNELs are ideal for smaller areas like bathrooms, hallways, closets, or even stairwells, where a traditional skylight might be too large or impractical.
Energy-Efficient: Like skylights, SUN TUNNELs help reduce your reliance on artificial lighting, saving you money on energy bills while providing a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Why Choose a Skylight Over a SUN TUNNEL?
While SUN TUNNELs are great for smaller spaces, a skylight may be a better option if you're looking for a more dramatic way to flood larger rooms with light. Here are some reasons to consider a skylight instead of a SUN TUNNEL:
More Light: Skylights allow for significantly more light to enter a room, making them ideal for larger spaces like living rooms, kitchens, or open-concept areas.
Ventilation: Many ventilated skylights can open to allow for airflow, helping to cool down a space naturally. This is a feature a SUN TUNNEL cannot provide.
Architectural Appeal: Skylights are more visually striking and can be an architectural statement in your home. They offer beautiful views of the sky, stars, or the surrounding landscape.
Long-Term Value: Although skylights come at a higher upfront cost, they can add long-term value to your home, making them an attractive option if you’re planning to sell your property in the future.
Moore Skylights Inc. - Your Trusted Installer for VELUX Products
When it comes to installing SUN TUNNELS or skylights, it’s essential to choose a certified expert who understands the nuances of these systems. Moore Skylights Inc. is a trusted installer for VELUX Canada and specializes in high-quality skylight and SUN TUNNEL installations.
Our team of experts ensures a seamless installation process for both skylights and SUN TUNNELS, tailoring our services to your home’s specific needs. Whether you choose a SUN TUNNEL for your bathroom or a skylight for your living room, we guarantee professional, efficient service with attention to detail and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion: SUN TUNNEL or Skylight?
Ultimately, the decision between a SUN TUNNEL and a skylight depends on your budget, the size of the space you wish to illuminate, and the level of light you require. If you need an affordable, quick installation solution for a smaller room, a SUN TUNNEL is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you're looking to brighten up larger areas and enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal, a skylight could be the better choice.
No matter which option you choose, Moore Skylights Inc. is here to help with expert installation services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring natural light into your home with a VELUX skylight or SUN TUNNEL.
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