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.