Traditional Insulation Leaks...

A Radiant Barrier Membrane Will Maximize Comfort and Save Money.

Improving the home's insulation is perhaps the single most beneficial improvement which can be made in order to maximize the comfort level, as well as decreasing the utility bill. There are several different types of insulation available on the market today. One of the newest types which have received much attention is a radiant barrier.

The theory behind a radiant barrier is largely based on research and technology used in practical applications by NASA and astronauts. A radiant barrier is a thin reflective material that helps limit or eliminate heat from penetrating through the barrier. This similar type of material is used in the spacesuits of astronauts to maintain the body heat in the colder or warmer climates that may be encountered. Because this material is flexible, it is easily folded and fitted in the nooks and crannies of attic spaces or crawl spaces, unlike traditional fiberglass batting insulation.

A radiant barrier installed throughout the entire attic will greatly improve the temperature control of the living quarters and maintain that temperature longer. This means a sizable monetary savings on the utility bill from not needing to cycle the air conditioning system on and off. Whether the temperature ranges from the heat of summer to the cold of winter, a radiant barrier insulation will isolate the internal temperature of the living quarters while limiting the need for the furnace or heat pump from cycling on and off as before with traditional fiberglass insulation.

The advantages of a radiant barrier over traditional insulation batting are numerous. The ease and speed with which a radiant barrier can be installed will save on labor costs, as well as clean up time. With this newer type of insulation, seams are virtually non-existent unlike batting which allows a large amount of airflow.

Many insulation companies still only use traditional methods of insulating a home with older technology which is not as efficient as newer technology. Most of the newer types of insulation are much more energy efficient and environmentally greener than fiberglass insulation. The best method for saving money on utility bills and increasing the comfort for the family is to choose the newer proven technology.

For more information and guidance about radiant barriers, thermal insulation, and Temper Shield, visit http://www.utilityimprovements.com. Utility Improvements specializes in authentic, non-imitation thermal radiant barrier protection and has some great videos on their site to illustrate the cost savings of using a thermal insulating barrier.

Foil the Heat with Radiant Barrier Insulation, Save Money on Utility Bills, and Conserve Energy

There are many methods of insulating a house or office building. Some are extremely effective and practical while others are not. The best insulation and most inexpensive method to insulate a house from the heat of summer is to use aluminum foil. The cost should only be approximately $200 to $350 to wrap an average 2000 sq. foot house in aluminum foil. The heavy weight aluminum foil is the most durable from a weathering standpoint. This is an absurd idea! This ridiculous idea would work, except for being aesthetically displeasing, violating a large number of local ordinances and home association covenants, and not very practical from an installation standpoint. There are alternatives that will yield similar results without the hassle, ugliness, and illegal aspects.

Radiant barriers possess similar reflective qualities of aluminum foil in order to provide maximum temperature control in a home. Much like aluminum foil found in many cooking application, radiant barriers do not absorb heat, they reflect it. A relative new comer to the home insulation industry, radiant barriers are designed to be installed within attics and even under homes in crawl spaces.

In doing so, during the winter months a foil radiant barrier allows the heat of the home interior to be trapped inside and maintained while the house is sitting out in the open colder air. Obviously this is a perfect example for warming a home in the winter time, but what of the heat during the summer?

Radiant barriers don't just trap warm air inside, they also help maintain cooler temperatures from the sizzling exterior heat. The key term is barrier. It works equally well against large temperature fluctuations of summer by reflecting the exterior heat back outside and reflecting the cooler interior temperatures inside.

This technology traces its origins back to military and N.A.S.A. developments. This truly is a space age material adapted for the construction industry. With a radiant barrier installed, the homeowner should notice a drop in energy costs which translates to saving money. With today's economic struggles, that is especially important for families trying to make ends meet.

For more information and guidance about energy efficiency and radiant barriers such as Temper Shield, visit http://www.utilityimprovements.com. Utility Improvements specializes in exceptionally effective thermal radiant barriers and demonstrates how they work via videos on their Website.

Radiant Barriers - Insulation That Saves Money As You Cool or Heat Your Home

Radiant barriers have been in science magazines and featured in heating and cooling articles in abundance for the past few years. A radiant barrier is the next big improvement a family can purchase and have installed in the attic or crawl space. The advantages are three-fold when using radiant barriers to help improve energy consumption.

Though they've been written about for a couple of years, radiant barriers are relatively newcomers to the heating and cooling scene. Until recently, most families and homes have relied upon traditional fiberglass batting to maintain the interior temperature by preventing heat loss or heat penetration through the building envelope. As technology evolved and improved so did methods of insulation. Quite commonly used in existing houses is expanding spray foam insulation. Green insulation such as recycled denim and newspaper is frequently used in air blown loose fill insulation. There are still more types of insulation available, but some are more effective than others depending upon geographic region. Radiant barriers, however, have consistently performed well throughout all regions and climates.

Radiant barriers were developed from advances in space exploration. The same technology used in astronauts' space suits is what is behind radiant barriers today. Just as space suits retain the internal temperature of body heat from the astronaut while reflecting the cold of space, so does the radiant barrier which is installed in a family's attic.

In fall and winter seasons large amounts of heat can be lost through ceilings, fiberglass insulation, and the roof itself. The reflective nature of radiant barriers helps minimize any great temperature fluctuation in the living space of a home by minimizing any heat loss through the ceiling and fiberglass insulation. Conversely, a radiant barrier helps to minimize the heat of summer time from penetrating through the attic space and into the living quarters.

The advantages of installing a radiant barrier should allow the average homeowner to see a drop in their electric bill or fuel bill. Without the need to have the air conditioner cycle on more frequently, the savings will add up. Additionally, the less energy used to cool or heat helps reduce the amount of pollution being produced. The last benefit of having a radiant barrier is that the energy efficiency of the radiant barrier is a good selling feature that can put a potential buyer's mind at ease, should the homeowner ever place the home on the market.

To watch newscast and testing videos, or for more information and guidance about radiant barrier insulation, visit http://www.utilityimprovements.com. Utility Improvements specializes in saving utility costs through a Temper Shield Radiant Barrier.

Utility Improvements : What others have to say

Temper Shield is the product you promised to deliver.

We are very conservative and tend not to fall for the "sales pitch". Because we knew we had a problem with higher heat on the second floor, Temper Shield sounded like a viable solution - simple and effective. We did the right thing by installing Temper Shield. It has only been two weeks and already we feel the payback is more than positive.

For us, your product was most appealing because it promised greater comfort. The heat would be trapped in the attic and not penetrate past the barrier of Temper Shield you would install. This would keep the second floor close to the same temperature as the first floor. As a bonus, we have also noticed the first floor is cooler. Keeping the second floor cooler accomplished our goals;

• As you walk up the steps, no more temperature rise of 10+ degrees (the additional heat was that or more) prior to installation of Temper Shield. We're still amazed and continue to comment about how much cooler it is.
• We do not have to turn the air conditioning on as often as we had prior to installation.
• We are able to sleep with the windows open more often; we enjoy sleeping in the fresh air.
• Less air conditioning means lower utility bills.

The additional benefits of the product paying for itself with lower utility bills is another benefit. We could not wait to say "Thank You." We will let you know the savings after we compare our utility bills over the next year.

We were very impressed with your installation crew and the quality of their work. Your professional installers were very thorough and neat during the installation process. They promised to move and return everything in the attic as it had been before they started, and indeed that was the case.

In summary, we have strongly recommended Temper Shield to our friends, neighbors and relatives. We are very pleased and feel the investment is worth every penny. Thank you again for:

• Worthwhile and sound product for our home
• Consistent temperature between first and second floor
• Less air conditioning
• Lower utility bills
• Professional Installation
• MOST IMPORTANT - delivering what you promised

- Jim & Joanna

I just wanted to say how pleased we are with our installation. While our furnace was out we only had our fireplace and 2 small electric heaters to heat our home. By closing the doors to the rooms off our living area we were comfortable. We believe GOD knew we were going to have problems with our furnace and he sent you to help us. By having Temper Shield in our attic, we think it kept the heat down in our living area and not going to the attic and outside.

Again, thank you, Mr/Mrs Bickish, Nick & Tyler, may God bless you and your families.

- Tom & Edna Jackson

Has Temper Shield been tested by a qualified independent lab or government agency?

The Florida Solar Energy Center at Cape Canaveral has tested Temper Shield in both small scale laboratories and in full scale building models. Their results indicate that Temper Shield can provide significant resistance to heat transfer. Test conducted by the Tennessee Valley Authority, Oak Ridge Laboratories in Tennessee, and the University of Mississippi support the findings from the Florida Solar Energy Center. Northeastern Illinois University conducted winter test in residential and commercial structures using infra-red thermograph photography. The photos showed significant resistance to heat transfer over regular insulation.

Visit Utility Improvements at www.utilityimprovements.com to learn more.

Utility Improvements : Frequently Asked Questions

Will Temper Shield make my attic hotter in the summer?

No. In fact, research has confirmed that summertime attic temperatures will be much cooler with Temper Shield in place.

Do I have to take my old insulation out before installing Temper Shield?

No. Temper Shield actually makes your present insulation more effective.

If I lay Temper Shield on my regular insulation will it cause a moisture problem?

No. The tiny holes in Temper Shield allow moisture to escape from your regular insulation.

I already have plenty of insulation in my attic. Do I really need Temper Shield?

Regardless of how much insulation you have in your attic, adding Temper Shield can save on your heating and cooling expense, and keep you much more comfortable. Energy savings in many homes for heating and cooling can range from 22 to 55% depending on a number of factors including climate, building configuration, materials used, site, family size, and lifestyle.

Click here to learn more about Temper Shield.

Where do you install Temper Shield?

Temper Shield can be laid over your present insulation like a blanket or stapled under rafters and in crawl spaces. With Temper Shield, the furnace and sun's heat bounces back - it does not penetrate the reflective surface.

Improve the comfort of your home and save money by making your current insulation more efficient.

Temper Shield is a space blanket for your attic. It reduces heat transfer in both summer and winter. Temper Shield works like the astronaut's reflective suit which protects him from both heat and cold.

Visit www.utilityimprovements.com for more information on Temper Shield.

Frequently Asked Questions about Temper Shield

How does it work?

Temper Shield is a space age reflective material. Unlike mass insulation, which slows down the heat transfer, Temper Shield reflects heat. To stop radiant heat, you must reflect it with a reflective barrier like Temper Shield.

How will Temper Shield keep me warmer in the winter?

Just like wrapping a baked potato in aluminum foil keeps a potato warm longer by holding the heat in, covering your attic insulation with Temper Shield holds the heat in the house. Another analogy would be that Temper Shield in the winter works just like a space blanket, which, although very thin and lightweight holds your body heat in. A thin space blanket can keep you warmer than several heavy blankets.

Okay, if in the winter Temper Shield keeps heat in, how can it keep it out in the summer?

Temper Shield reflects the sun's heat before it can warm up the insulation in your attic. When the insulation stays cooler, your house stays cooler. It may help to understand how Temper Shield will work for you if you think of other things that perform in the same way; Astronauts Space Suits - keep body heat in, and reflect the sun's heat away.

Heating Your House in Summer Doesn't Make Sense - Then Why Are You?

More and more homeowners are becoming concerned with their home's efficiency with regards to heating and cooling. There are different reasons for conducting a home energy audit. They all boil down to saving money, but not necessarily in the way one might think.

The average homeowner that has an energy audit conducted is primarily concerned with preventing drafts and air leakage that will force their HVAC system to work longer and harder than it should. Again, while this is the main focus, several other benefits can manifest of which the homeowner is unaware.

Once the energy audit is completed and the results are compiled and presented, the homeowner will want to better insulate those areas that are problem areas. This will greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the drafts and leaks that were present thereby saving money on running the HVAC system as much.

A common and prevalent problem area in almost every existing structure is heat loss passing through the ceiling and slowly seeping through the attic insulation. Choosing the correct insulation is paramount. A radiant barrier will solve the problem, but not every problem area will require the same type of insulation. Leaks at the windows, doors, and even insulation around the water heater need to have specific types just for their own application such as spray foam insulation.

By correctly insulating problem areas, a second benefit is to the family's health. Any moist air that has penetrated the envelope of the house has the potential to cause mold and can provide health risks and increase healthcare costs. Although this is not a widely rampant situation from just a few small air leakages, it is something to be concerned about. Those families that live in a humid region and have a member with asthma or other respiratory condition should be even more concerned given the nature of these conditions.

Providing that the problem areas are remedied, a home energy audit can improve the perceived quality of the home when it comes time to sell. Showing that a home's energy efficiency is high is a strong selling point and is becoming a major concern to prospective home buyers as energy costs continue to increase.

The last major benefit is that the home will just be more comfortable to live in for the family. Life is short, but if it isn't comfortable, it can be much longer and more miserable than can be imagined.

For more information and guidance about radiant barriers and energy efficiency, visit http://www.utilityimprovements.com. Utility Improvements offers Temper Shield, a radiant barrier product that can be installed economically.

Proper Insulation Will Keep You Comfortable and Save Money

The public has finally received a break from high oil and fuel prices, but those prices have started to slowly creep up again. The past has shown that energy cost will continue to rise in the future and Americans have very little control over the price of foreign energy suppliers. Other than using less energy, making homes less than comfortable, the only solution is to build a better home. What if the home has already been built, though?

While retrofitting and upgrading a home's energy efficiency can be expensive, the cost is nowhere near dumping more and more money into the hands of the oil or electric company to heat and cool one's home. Improving a home's efficiency is the best option and investment. What are a homeowner's options? The answer is it depends.

If a home's energy is provided by the electric company then solar panels would be a smart investment. What about those homes, and there are millions, that depend on oil or gas to heat? Upgrading the insulation in the attic is key to improving comfort and expense. Why the attic and what type of insulation is best? Two good questions.

Just like people lose most of their body heat through their head, homes lose the heat through the attic. While covering a house with a large blanket or hat would be unrealistic and silly, lining the attic floor or rafters with a blanket would be practical. Traditional batting or fiberglass insulation won't really help that much. This type of insulation is like wearing just a knitted sweater on a cold and windy day. There are holes in each of these layers that just slow the cold air moving through.

There are a plethora of insulation types available on the market, but none are as easy and effective as a radiant barrier. A thermal or radiant barrier is needed to reflect the home's warmth back down into the home and prevent the cold from descending through. Much like covering over an apple pie with aluminum foil to keep it warm, radiant barriers line the attic floor keeping the living quarters warm.

Spray foam insulation is also another option. There are advantages and disadvantages to spray foam insulation. This expanding foam helps to fill nooks and crannies that traditional fiberglass insulation or even blown insulation can't help with. A problem that can arise is that because the foam does expand, should foam ooze in between joists and the ceiling, separation may occur creating a new problem.

Whichever method is used to ensure comfortable living quarters, a professional is highly recommended. These companies know which method would be best for your home and can guarantee their work ensuring many warm and pleasant years to come. With the money saved on heating and cooling the home the homeowner gets the last laugh instead of the energy companies.

For more information and guidance about energy efficiency and radiant barriers such as Temper Shield, visit http://www.utilityimprovements.com. Utility Improvements specializes in exceptionally effective thermal radiant barriers and demonstrates how they work via videos on their Website.

Insulate Yourself From Discomfort and Reduce Your Monthly Heating and Cooling Expenses

Whether it's new construction or improving the existing insulation on a completed home, there are a lot of different types of insulation materials from which to choose. Not all insulation is created equal though and not all insulation can be used on existing completed structures. Proper insulation will lower your monthly heating costs and cooling costs, but you must know how to shop for the right material.

The most commonly used insulation has been the traditional fiberglass batting that can be found in any brick and mortar home improvement store. Some home improvement stores even carry polyiso foam board insulation. Concrete insulation is not as common or as inexpensive as other types and is used while building new construction. SIPS or structural insulated panels are a relatively new and highly effective type of insulated wall, but is only used for new construction as well. Loose fill insulation is blown into wall cavities and is commonly found in attic spaces or walls. Each of these types of insulating materials will reduce costs. You need to check the "R" factor that is listed on the insulation to determine how efficient it is. The higher the R-Factor, the more efficient the material is and the lower your monthly air conditioning bill should be.

The last two types of insulation have become quite common and beneficial, especially for use in completed existing structures. Polyurethane spray foam insulation is commonly used in walls and ceilings, and are excellent for filling in irregular wall cavities. Radiant barriers and reflective foils are used quite frequently to drastically reduce heat transfer through attics, ceilings, and floors. Radiant barriers like Temper Shield help to regulate the temperature in the living quarters during the summer months and greatly reduce the loss of heat from the interior of the home during the winter months. This translates to more even temperatures and lower utility costs throughout the year.

Only fiberglass batting, spray foam, polyiso boards, and radiant barrier films are able to be considered do-it-yourself methods of insulation. However, it is only recommended for small areas should the homeowner decide to attempt the installation themselves. For larger areas or higher volume spaces, obtaining the services of a professional installer is highly recommended to ensure proper installation. This will guarantee maximum insulation benefits and maximum savings as well as a quick and frustration-free time for the homeowner.

Having a home energy audit performed is always a good method to identify where the worst and poorly insulated areas of a home are located. Once the results are learned, then the homeowner will be in a better position to determine the best type of insulation to have installed. Once that is done, the savings on fuel and electricity for heating and cooling a home will be realized over the expense of investing in the family's home and comfort.

For more information and guidance about radiant barriers, thermal insulation, and Temper Shield, visit http://www.utilityimprovements.com. Utility Improvements specializes in authentic, non-imitation thermal radiant barrier protection and has some great videos on their site to illustrate the cost savings of using a thermal insulating barrier.