If you've been thinking about how to keep the elements out of your attic, you've probably heard of "radiant barriers."
Many individuals question if the cost of installing this reflective material is justified. Government agencies in certain jurisdictions have chastised opportunistic contractors for misrepresenting the capabilities of radiant barriers.
So, is it worthwhile to invest in a radiant barrier?
Not in San Diego and Orange County, certainly. Radiant barriers reflect the sun's rays, making them excellent for hot, sunny environments. A radiant barrier will pay for itself if installed appropriately and in the appropriate regional context...
Radiant Barriers Save Money on Cooling
There's no denying that radiant barriers save money on cooling throughout the summer. According to the Department of Energy, adding radiant barriers decreases cooling expenses by 5% to 10% in sunny climates.
These energy savings can be considerably greater in the hottest places.
The fact that these energy-saving benefits do not apply to the entire United States adds to the debate over whether radiant barriers are worthwhile. Consider the following questions if you're considering this for yourself:
- Is my house exposed to direct sunlight for the most of the day.
- Do I live in a location where the temperature regularly exceeds 100°F for several weeks at a time.
- Is there ducting or HVAC equipment placed in my attic.
Sunlight Shining Directly
Shouldn't reflecting radiant barrier material be on the outside of my house if it's in direct sunlight? It turns out that it isn't necessary. Radiant heat heats up your attic radiant barrier as it passes through the surface of your roof deck, increasing your cooling costs.
Radiant barriers prevent heat from entering.
One of the subtle ways that heat enters your home is through sunlight. Anyone who has opened a car door and watched heat stream out knows that in the summer, confined spaces like automobiles can turn into tiny furnaces owing to sunlight.
If your property is exposed to direct sunshine during the day, especially if there are no trees to provide shade for your roof deck, you might consider installing solar panels.
Climates that are extremely hot
If you live in a hot climate for the most of the year, radiant barriers will save you money on cooling costs all year. If you were hit hard by the polar vortex in 2019, you could be better off investing in different types of insulation that are more cost-effective in your area.
The Division of Energy Resources recently chastised certain contractors in the industry for installing radiant barriers when they were not required. While both can be utilized efficiently together, the efficiency of radiation barriers reduces as attic insulation increases.
Radiant barriers aren't a scam; they work in the areas where they're needed. On a vacation to the beach, you don't need to bring a winter coat, and you also don't need radiant barriers.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment
Ductwork runs through the attic space in some homes, particularly older ones. Radiant barriers will be especially useful for cutting cooling expenses in the hotter months if you reside in a property like this.
In the summer, attics that aren't well-insulated will put additional burden on air conditioning. As the attic space heats up, the ductwork heats up as well, requiring the machines that pump cold air into your home to work twice as hard to maintain the same level of comfort.
Cool air can escape from uninsulated HVAC ducts, necessitating the use of a machine to turn on and off. This leads to wear and tear on the vehicle.
