Tubular Skylight Too Hot?

Q: Will a south-facing tubular skylight make our living room too hot? My husband and I are thinking about brightening this part of our bungalow, but we can’t decide where to put the skylight.

A: After living with a tubular skylight for about five years, I can tell you that a south-facing location is definitely the way to go. The summer sun won't add significant heat to your house because tubular skylights are relatively small in diameter. A north-facing location is okay, but it sure is nice to have the kind of strong flood of light that only direct sun can provide. You should also consider installing the internal light fixture offered by some manufacturers. It fits inside the tube and remains invisible when complete. By connecting this fixture to an existing light switch, you can enjoy some very attractive illumination even at night. We really appreciate this feature at our place.