Skyrocketing energy bills?
It might be time to consider radiant barriers for your attic.
September 22, 2023
Summers can be brutal no matter what neighborhood you live in here in Charlotte, but when the sun is beating down directly on your roof during the hottest days of the year, things can go from warm to scorching pretty quickly. With radiant barriers in place, you can pump the brakes on all that heat entering your home, especially through the attic. Keep reading to learn how radiant barrier installation can benefit your home by ensuring consistent temperatures and reducing energy bills.
What Makes Radiant Barriers Special?
Radiant barriers are made of a thin reflective aluminum material and are installed under roofing material or in the attic. This reflective material slows down radiant heat transfer, preventing it from heating up your roof and the attic.
Keeping your attic from heating up will go a long way in keeping the rest of your home cool, too. A hot attic can cancel out much of the hard work your air conditioner is putting into keeping your home cool, and installing a radiant barrier can mean your home stays cooler, longer, for less money.
Is Radiant Barrier Installation Right for You? Here's How to Tell:
- Ballooning Energy Bills: Larger-than-normal spikes in your energy bills can indicate that your AC system is working overtime to make up for ineffective home insulation and heat infiltration.
- Scorching Second Floor Syndrome: If walking up to the second floor during a summer day feels like stepping into a furnace, a radiant barrier may bring some relief. Insufficient insulation allows heat to accumulate upstairs and adding a radiant barrier can help maintain a consistent temperature across all levels of your home.
- Overworked HVAC System: An always-on AC isn't a good sign for your wallet, or your next heat wave. It means you're paying for conditioned air that's barely effective and can lead to early burnout from your AC. With radiant barriers, your HVAC system can function optimally, saving on energy costs and reducing wear and tear.
Radiant Barriers in Winter
Yes, radiant barriers are great for homes in the North Carolina climate that struggle to stay cool in the summer, but the benefits extend all year long. During the colder winter months, as the interior of the house produces heat from heating systems, appliances, and occupants, this warmth tends to rise and often attempts to escape through the attic. The radiant barrier reflects the escaping heat back into the living space. This ensures that the warmth generated inside the home remains consistent, reducing the need for excessive heating and thereby providing both comfort and energy efficiency throughout the chilly season.
Partner with Experts at Standard Insulating Company
No two homes are alike. That's why at Standard Insulating Company, we don't apply a one-size-fits-all approach. Our dedicated team of experts assesses your unique requirements, ensuring we recommend solutions that genuinely benefit you. If radiant barriers aren't the best option for your home, we'll be the first to tell you. Considering the installation of radiant barriers? Kickstart the process with a free energy analysis. Let us identify issues and recommend the perfect home improvements tailored for your comfort and energy efficiency.