[laurie]

We're also considering the sun tunnels. The area I need them the most is on the north side where we have a sunroom because it just sucks all the light out of the house. Do you think it will help since it's on the north side?

[greenie227]

Laurie,

I think it depends on the angle and height of the roof and the surrounding trees, whether a sun tunnel on the north side would help. I can't see that it would hurt -- other than the cost!

We used Pittsburgh Pure Premium paint -- no VOC -- and we loved it. No odor, good coverage, etc. My painter didn't like the low VOC from Benjamin Moore, and our local paint store told us that the Pittsburgh got better reviews from area painters. Whatever -- luckily there are so many more choices for low or no VOC paint!

I think we got the smaller size sun tunnel -- is it the 10"? i can't remember -- but the spaces we're using them in are small -- a galley bathroom, a stair landing, and a walk-in closet. There is no heat transfer from them that we can feel.

[laurie]

Our roof is a very, low-profile roof. Not sure of the pitch, but we got a new architectural shingle roof last year, and from the angle in the front, it looks like the roof needs replacing because you can see under the edges since the roof is so low profile. In other words, you can't see the "top" of the shingle very well. Should have thought that one through beforehand. What a waste of money that was.

Anyway, perhaps if sun tunnels were installed in the front (south facing) also, you wouldn't even see the "bubble". If we do them on the northern side, perhaps we need to go larger, and more of them (or remove the patio enclosure.........but that ain't gonna happen since it's our only relief from mosquitos!)

[limey]

I've been chronicling my green kitchen remodel over here.

We used 0 VOC paint, local granite countertops (well the slab was already here), obviously Ikea cabs that were already in the store, recycled every bit of cardboard with the city (IKEA has no recycling service/big bin), LED lights, and efficient appliances.

[pgans]

We've had the solar tube installed for around a month now and WOW is it great! Basically from dawn til dusk there is no need for a light in the kitchen. Maybe if you really needed bright light, but for general purpose use it is absolutely wonderful. It gives off a much more white light which took a little getting used to since you just expect interior lighting to look yellow.

It was one of my favorite bang for the buck purchases. It was under $300 and it just makes a huge difference!

[greenie227]

I'm so glad the sun tunnels worked out for you! We, too, love our sun tunnels. It's amazing how much light they let in.