ATLANTA, Nov. 19-22, 2019 People are now spending 90% of their time indoors1, and since homes are built tighter allowing for less ventilation, they are often breathing stale, polluted indoor air. VELUX, the world leader in skylights and roof windows, offers VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO to help combat the negative side effects, like asthma and allergies, of spending so many hours inside. Indoor air is five times more polluted than outdoor air2, and with people spending so much time inside, VELUX recognized the need to help homeowners use natural ventilation to air out their homes on a regular basis.
According to research from the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing, nearly a quarter of homeowners have healthy home concerns3 with an increasing demand for healthier homes and overall wellness, including physical and environmental wellness. Wellness real estate grew to a $134 million industry, increasing by 6.4% from 2015 to 2017, and is expected to grow 6% annually in the immediate future4.
How our homes affect our health is a growing concern among homeowners, especially those with young families, said Brian Grohe, commercial sales manager at VELUX America. We want to help educate homeowners on the importance of indoor air quality which can affect our health. This system will automatically open the skylights for fresh air, so homeowners can worry less about what they and their families are breathing.
VELUX ACTIVE, which is compatible with Apple® HomeKit, allows homeowners to automate their skylights to more easily infuse natural light and fresh air into the home. In an average home, the pollutant level is normally at a low level when people first enter the home or after effective ventilation. However, after an extended period of time, daily activities can raise the level of pollutants to unhealthy levels that can cause headaches, dizziness and sleepiness. Proper ventilation removes unwanted toxins, lowers CO2 levels and promotes an overall healthier lifestyle.
The system ensures a healthier indoor climate by automatically opening the skylights to air out the house two to three times daily. Here’s how it works: Smart sensor technology monitors CO2, humidity and temperature in the home, while the system also connects to online weather forecasts. It automatically opens the skylights if fresh air is needed inside.
It also automates blinds to help control indoor temperature. For example, the system will extend the blinds to block sunlight during the day in the warmer months or extend them at night during the winter for an added layer of insulation.
Homeowners can also use the VELUX ACTIVE smartphone app to control their skylights even if they are away from the house.
For more information on VELUX ACTIVE, visit whyskylights.com.
VELUX is the world leader in skylights and roof windows and is one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector. VELUX America products are available nationwide through home centers, building material suppliers, lumberyards and independent door, window or roofing retailers. Consumers can locate local suppliers and installers and access information on skylight selection and the benefits of bringing more natural light and fresh air into the home by visiting www.veluxusa.com or www.whyskylights.com. VELUX skylights are made in America in Greenwood, South Carolina.