What are sun tunnels? Pros and cons

Interested in brightening up your home without adding to your monthly energy bill? A sun tunnel might be the perfect solution. A modern twist on conventional skylights, sun tunnels help bring natural daylight into the home, especially in spaces where installing a normal skylight wouldn't be possible.

This article walks through everything to know about sun tunnels, how they work, how they compare to other skylight types and how much they cost to install. We'll also outline the pros and cons to help you decide whether installing sun tunnels in your home is a good idea, or more hassle than it's worth.

For more ideas on reducing home energy costs, see our guide to boosting home energy efficiency in fall and winter .

What is a sun tunnel?

Sun tunnels, also known as tube skylights or solar tubes, are tube-shaped skylights lined with reflective material. The shape and design of a solar tube help bring more natural daylight into the home, and they can even mimic the effectiveness of electric lighting during the day.

Tube skylights are made up of an acrylic dome top, a reflective tube and a light diffuser at the end. They're extremely effective at lighting indoor spaces during the day, even without direct sunlight. Sun tunnels can extend up to 40 feet, depending on the brand.

While they serve a similar function as conventional skylights, sun tunnels are designed to be versatile and can be installed almost anywhere in the home, including in spaces without direct roof access. For example, they can be installed beneath an attic or crawlspace, allowing you to bring in more natural light even if a classic skylight isn't an option. They're most popular for bathrooms and hallways, according to the Skylight Guys .

Sun tunnels vs. skylights

Conventional skylights are clear windows installed directly between a roof and the underlying ceiling. However, not all spaces work with skylights, especially in homes with crawl spaces or unfinished attics. Sun tunnels provide a clever solution, as they're designed to bring light down into the home through an aluminum tube. These tubes can vary in length from about a foot to as long as 40 feet.

Sun tunnels also look very different from conventional skylights. Rather than looking like a window, they mimic the appearance of overhead lighting, and it can be difficult to distinguish them from electric lighting during the day. Sun tunnels can even be equipped with special lighting kits to turn them into electric light fixtures at night, according to the Skylight Guys.

In most cases, sun tunnels are easier, faster and less expensive to install than traditional skylights, according to Velux , a company that manufactures and installs both sun tunnels and skylights. However, they may not let in quite as much light, and they do not provide direct visibility to the outdoors.

How much does it cost to install a solar tube?

Installing any kind of skylight is an investment, but sun tunnels are usually more cost-effective than other types of skylights. According to Velux, sun tunnel installation usually starts at around $650, while standard skylight installations cost at least $2,000.

Depending on the project, sun tunnel installation costs can also climb into the $2,000 range, while traditional skylights may cost upwards of $5,000 to install. Bill Ragan Roofing Company — one of Yahoo Local's best roofers in Nashville, Tenn. — agrees with these numbers, citing an average range of $850 to $2,250 for sun tunnel installations.

Keep in mind that paying for professional installation is important for all skylights. While it can be expensive, professional installation helps ensure that your solar tube won't leak and that you'll be covered under warranty. Yahoo Local is a great place to connect with vetted roofing contractors who can install skylights and sun tunnels safely and properly.

Attempting DIY installation for sun tubes or skylights can create significant risks, like roof leaks, personal injury and window or roof damage. For more, see these reasons to avoid DIY roofing work .

Sun tunnel pros and cons

Roofers like Bill Ragan Roofing Company and Prestige Roofing LLC agree that the pros of installing sun tunnels outweigh the cons. However, it's still important to consider all the factors.

Sun tunnel pros

• Increased natural lighting in spaces with limited window and skylight options

• Reduced need for electric lighting during the day

• More cost-effective than traditional skylights

• Blends in with the look of overhead lighting

• Effective even on cloudy days

Sun tunnel cons

• Vulnerable to roof leaks if not installed or maintained properly

• No visibility to the outdoors

• Like normal skylights, they don't provide lighting at night

• Can't be opened

Should you install a sun tunnel in your home?

If your house has an attic or crawlspace and you're looking for a way to bring in more natural light, solar tubes are a very worthwhile investment. They're perfect for rooms that can't accommodate normal skylights, and they're also less expensive to install.

That said, even if your home doesn't have an attic or crawlspace, sun tunnels can still be a smart choice. They're extremely versatile and can be installed in just about any roof. They're an especially popular choice in bathrooms and hallways and can be installed in just a few hours.

The only big drawback of installing sun tunnels is that they require professional installation, which can range in cost from $650 to more than $2,000. However, they're significantly less expensive to install than traditional skylights. Just know that sun tunnels do not provide direct visibility to the outdoors and function more as light fixtures than windows.

If you're ready to gather quotes from roofers for solar tube installation, Yahoo Local's roofing hub is a great place to start. Our team specializes in vetting roofing companies across the U.S., and we share our expert picks through our in-depth best lists, like the ones listed below.

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