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This causes your insulation not to
work properly and lowers the insulation value. Radiant barrier works three-fold
by reflecting heat from your home, lowering the temperature in your attic that
allows your insulation to work more effectively and this causes your A/C unit to
work less. An additional benefit is that you’re A/C ductwork lasts longer
because it isn’t exposed to such high temperatures that induce drying and
cracking creating air leaks.
When you are building a home you need to inform your builder that you want
radiant barrier installed. They have a plywood decking material available that
has a reflective film on the bottom. The average extra cost is only 3 cents a
square foot and this is the most cost effective installation of radiant barrier.
This installation of radiant barrier should be mandatory and not optional. A
builder not using this product shouldn’t be building any home.
If you have a home without radiant barrier it will be more difficult and
expensive to install. You need to use caution when hiring a radiant barrier
installer. All products being developed always have copycat companies popping up
vying for the market share. Many are inferior products that do not work as well
and if not properly installed will not work or last as expected. You also have
the option of installing it yourself to eliminate the installation costs.
There are several companies selling a powdered ceramic substance that you add to
paint and they claim and even guarantee will cut your electric bill by 15-20%.
These products may work but the only radiant barrier product I will use is
provided by Hy-Tech Thermal Solutions. Most installers will want to keep the
costs down and they will use an interior paint versus exterior paint that costs
less. The climate inside your attic suffers the same temperature extremes as the
outside of your home. The paint should also be high gloss that has a more
reflective value. You also want to ensure that the paint is a water-based latex
versus oil based that will create toxic fumes roaming through your home. If you
have oil-based paint installed and your gas appliances are not turned off or an
electrical spark occurs it could cause an explosion. Aluminum or silver color
paint will provide more reflecting properties than white paint. These are the
only two colors to use as a radiant barrier.
Every American should be aware that we have a shortage of oil, but we have even
less natural gas. Most of our electric plants are run by natural gas. Building
new nuclear or coal burning electrical plants will take decades to complete.
Many people are complaining about the high cost of gasoline but don’t stop to
think that their homes use far more electricity than their automobiles. By
installing radiant barrier and reducing your electric bill by 30% or more you
can do your part to conserve our environment, reduce our dependence on other
nations, and help reduce our gas prices at the pump. By running up your electric
bill, supply and demand fundamentals dictate that you are also increasing every
other Americans electric bill. Besides that our government is offering a $500.00
dollar tax credit to Americans who make their home more energy efficient. Why
does our government want us to make our homes more energy efficient? Perhaps
they realize that our utility bills could one day be more expensive than our
mortgage payments if we don’t start to consume less.
Many people are having a hard time selling their property due to the housing
market slow down. Something they should know is that the underlying factor for
all prospective homebuyers is, “How much is it going to cost me?” Many new
homebuyers are inquiring about the utility bills of a home prior to buying. Some
people don’t even need your permission to get this information. By installing
radiant barrier you are adding value to your home and reducing the electric
bill, which will help sell your home.
All in all, radiant barrier is an energy efficient product that works and if you
take the precautions above, you will maximize your savings. Americans can assist
our nation by making their home more energy efficient. Radiant barrier is the
most energy efficient product available for your home.
About the
Author: Dale Adams of Majestic Publishers is the
author and self publisher of the new book, “Care Giving Made Easy – How to be an
Awesome Caregiver” and the soon to be released, “How to Make Your Home Sell -
Even In A Slow Market” His many experiences include being a Security Consultant,
General Contractor and Energy Conservation Specialist. To learn more valuable
information visit:
http://www.majesticpublishers.com
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