This study shows the tremendous benefits of having a radiant barrier in your attic/under your roof. I've just ordered 24 mylar emergency blankets($28) to create a poor man's radiant barrier in my attic. I'll post the results in a week or two. I think I'll wrap my water heater, too - so many possibilities!
From the report:
- A 23-degree drop in the peak attic temperature occurred in a home outfitted with radiant heat barrier versus a similar home without the barrier;
- A 20 percent reduction in the run-time of the air conditioning unit during the seven hours of peak attic temperatures; and
- The radiant barrier improved the efficiency of cooled air delivered through the air ducts by 57 percent during this period.
Article originally appeared on Slay Energy Vampires (http://www.slayenergyvampires.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.