Posts Tagged ‘attic insulation’
I know, when you think of DIY projects, radiant barrier isn’t top on your list. It doesn’t even sound fun. You have a lot of options for improvements which may raise the value of your home while improving its comfort. Many of those methods are well known, like repainting, landscaping, theater rooms and the like. Other improvements are less glamorous and not visible to most visitors but offer significant return on investment. One of those improvements is beefing up the level of insulation in your home’s attic.
Alright, so it doesn’t sound glamorous. But attic insulation is critical to the overall comfort level of those which live within, to say nothing of the life of your HVAC system. Yours is probably working too hard as it is, reducing its life span. Consider consulting with your local electric cooperative or utility company to get specific ideas about improvements which could keep more money in your pocket and improve your home’s value.
Radiant barrier may be high on the list of “good things to do.” As a supplement to traditional mass insulation, radiant barrier is sold on long rolls, very similar to how aluminum foil or plastic wrap is packaged, only on a larger scale. Radiant barrier consists of a woven polyester scrim sandwiched between layers of 99% aluminum. The lightweight product is easy to carry but surprisingly strong, which makes it easy to handle. Cut with a scissor or box cutter, radiant barrier can be installed quickly between the joists in the attic (on the floor) and/or along the underside of the roof, on the rafters. It may also be used effectively in outbuildings, like barns or coops.
Radiant barrier works well in agriculture environments because it blocks the flow of radiant energy – in this case, heat generated from the bodies of farm animals – outward into the atmosphere. When placed inside between joists, radiant barrier reflects radiant energy back toward its point of origin. In conjunction with standard heating techniques likely already in place, radiant barrier in a barn will keep the interior temperature more consistent, causing the heating unit to cycle on less frequently and thereby consuming less energy.
Because installation is really relatively quick (a Saturday afternoon is all you need), give some real thought to this DIY project before you pick up a paint brush.
There are numerous ways to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Installing good quality aluminum insulation and new windows are great ways to keep air from getting into your home.
Maximizing energy efficiency is one of the biggest trends in new home building lately. There are a variety of ways to do this and they may not be as expensive as you might think. You can improve energy efficiency on virtually every decision you make, from appliances to light fixtures to choosing the right types of aluminum insulation. Being proactive about it while you build the house will equal huge savings when you finally live in it. These decisions can also positively affect your home’s value.
If the initial investment into energy efficient items in your home seems like a lot, check with your power company. Many electric companies offer credits and rebates for people making the switch to energy efficient items in their homes. Simply buying an energy efficient stove or refrigerator could put cash in your pocket in addition to the energy savings.
If you live in a climate with cold winters and hot summers, quality aluminum insulation is key to keeping things a comfortable temperature without losing a lot of hot or cool air, depending on the season. Use the insulation between floors to eliminate wintertime drafts. Invest in some high quality windows to prevent air from getting in or out. Some even come with a tint to keep the sun from beating in during those warm summer months.
While the important things for temperature control are windows and aluminum insulation, don’t underestimate your light fixtures when looking for ways to save. Always use the Energy Star rated CFL bulbs. They cost quite a bit more than a standard bulb, but can mean big savings. One bulb alone can save $40 in electricity over its lifetime. They use 75 percent less energy than a standard bulb and last up to ten times longer. Never underestimate the little things when trying to make your home use less energy.
In many parts of the country, the pressing heat of summer has started to subside. While the weather hasn’t turned cool yet, it’s at least bearable to spend time outside. Don’t let the weather (or those windows you’re now able to open) change lull you into being comfortable with the state of your home’s energy efficiency. We all know that Fall and Winter are inevitable.
Now’s the time to plan your energy checks so that you still have time to implement changes before the fierce weather kicks in. Here are some ideas to improve your home’s comfort this season:
- Start with the quick fixes, including windows and doors. Do they fit well and close easily? Do you feel air escaping?
- Clean the coils of your refrigerator and freezer. A build-up of dust keeps the appliance from operating at its fullest.
- Cover any window air conditioning units tightly with plastic to prevent cold air from rushing inside.
- Consider installing a radiant barrier into your attic on top of existing insulation.
You may have heard of some of these ideas before. Radiant barrier may have the most significant impact on your energy bill, so don’t overlook the value a small investment now will bring you over the lifetime of home ownership.
Radiant barrier, also called reflective foil insulation, serves as a barrier to block the transfer of radiant heat from one place to another. When placed along the floor joists in your attic, perforated radiant barrier will reflect the heated air from your living space (which rises into the attic) back down to prevent escape through the attic. The result is a more comfortable home at a lower thermostat setting, and lower electric bills.
I found this article about attic insulation that provides more detail. Take a look.
So you’ve decided to install radiant barrier in your home, yes? Good move. I installed EcoFoil in my home this summer and can’t wait to see (and feel!) the difference in my heating bill this winter.
The experts at EcoFoil knew folks like us needed some tips before we got started with our projects. Here’s another of their great videos, this one reviewing the steps involved just prior to installation:
- how to measure
- tools needed
- safety precautions
Energy efficiency is a hot topic, and there are a ton of resources available to help you improve things around your home. One economical product I’ve found is radiant barrier which is installed in attics and used in conjunction with mass insulation products to greatly minimize the transfer of radiant heat. I called several companies to learn more, but this video from the folks at EcoFoil was really handy at getting the big picture about radiant barrier. Take a look below.
EcoFoil Radiant Barrier