Yes — new skylights are significantly more energy efficient than older models, and ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and skylights can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 13% on average nationwide compared to non-certified products. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned exterior remodeling company and GAF Master Elite roofing contractor with 7,000+ installations completed since 2011, serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine with energy-efficient skylight installations.
Today’s skylights use Low-E glass coatings, improved thermal framing, and advanced sealing systems that older units simply don’t have. That difference shows up directly in heating bills.
What Makes Modern Skylights More Efficient
- Low-E Glass: Modern skylights use Low-E coatings that reflect heat back into your home in winter and deflect it in summer. Older single-pane glass has none of this protection.
- Thermal Performance: Thermal performance is a top priority for 87% of windows and doors professionals, per a 2026 industry survey. Modern skylight frames and glazing are designed to meet those standards; older units are not.
- ENERGY STAR Certification: Newer ENERGY STAR certified skylights meet current federal efficiency thresholds. Older skylights installed before those standards were common rarely qualify.
- Smart Venting Options: Today’s skylights include solar-powered venting, rain sensors, and integrated blinds. Each feature reduces unwanted heat gain and improves passive airflow when you need it.
- Seal Integrity: New seals and weatherstripping in modern units prevent the air leakage that drives up energy costs. Older skylights with degraded gaskets allow conditioned air to escape year-round.
- Made for Cold Winters: Winters are long and cold. Modern skylight glazing and framing hold up to freeze-thaw cycles that wear down older units quickly.
Old vs. New Skylights: Efficiency at a Glance
| Feature | Older Skylights | Modern Skylights |
|---|---|---|
| Glass type | Single-pane or basic double-pane | Low-E coated, tempered or laminated |
| ENERGY STAR rated | Rarely | Available; reduces energy costs up to 13% |
| Seal condition | Degraded gaskets common after 15+ years | New factory seals; no degradation |
| Venting options | Manual or fixed | Solar-powered, rain sensor, auto-close |
| Thermal framing | Older materials, limited insulation | Designed for current efficiency standards |
| Cold-climate performance | Vulnerable to heat loss | Built for cold-climate performance |
Choosing the Right Upgrade
- Top Recommendation: Upgrading to modern, ENERGY STAR certified skylights pays back through lower energy bills year after year. Get a free estimate from Coastal today and see what the right unit can do for your home.
- Best for Cold Climates: Look for skylights with the ENERGY STAR certification for the Northern climate zone. That designation confirms the unit meets the efficiency threshold for cold conditions.
- Worth Considering: If your skylight is 15 or more years old, it was installed before modern efficiency standards were widely adopted. Replacement is likely to deliver a meaningful improvement in comfort and cost.
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Last Updated: July 2026
Sources:
- Installing ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and skylights can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 13% on average nationwide, compared to non-certified products. ENERGY STAR Windows, Doors & Skylights ENERGY STAR’s resource on certified product energy savings for homeowners. (Accessed May 2026)
- Thermal performance (U-factor/R-value) is a priority for 87% of windows and doors professionals. Fixr Windows and Doors Report Industry survey data on homeowner and contractor priorities for windows and doors. (2026)
