AT HOME Use skylights to combat winter blues Home improvements like upgrading appliances and garage doors, decluttering and adding skylights can help you battle winter blues. Skylights can help you maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home this winter. Sunlight stimulates the body’s production of Vitamin D and increases the levels of serotonin in your brain; lower serotonin levels are thought to be associated with depression, lack of energy, elevated appetite and excessive sleepiness. What’s more, if you opt for Energy Starqualifi ed solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux America, you can also help improve indoor air quality. These skylights open, providing passive ventilation to allow stale indoor air to escape and fresh air to enter, and they close automatically in case of rain. Solar powered skylights, along with solar powered blinds, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. Skylights can be installed in many areas of your home with kitchens and baths being among the most popular choices for more natural light, fresh air, and privacy. Even areas without direct roof access, like hallways and closets, can benefi t from more natural light through tubular Sun Tunnel skylights. Visit www. whyskylights.com to learn more. Courtesy BPT
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