There are many ways to remodel an older home with green principles in mind. Contemplating indoor air quality and water conservation, and the use of sustainable, green building products all play a part in the planning process of environmentally friendly homes. But reduced energy consumption has the biggest long-term, bottom-line affect for a home owner once the last nail is driven.
Air conditioning is a major cause of high utility bills during summer months. On a hot day, heat from the sun is absorbed by the roof shingles and warms the sheathing below, which radiates heat toward the attic floor. By installing Enerflex radiant barrier, up to 96% of this radiant energy will be reflected back toward the roof.
Air conditioners will have an easier time doing their job and electric bills drop when radiant barriers are added to attics, a study by Centex Corporation and the Energy Center of Appalachian State University has determined. When a radiant barrier was installed in test homes, the study found:
- A 23-degree F drop in the peak attic temperature
- A 20% reduction in the AC unit’s run time during the 7 hours of peak attic temps
- A 57% efficiency improvement in the cooled air delivered through the air ducts.
The Energy Star approved Enerflex radiant barrier is best for existing homes and installs easily, with no tools, via a simple tension fit between rafters.
To see just how easy Enerflex radiant barrier installs, watch our step-by-step how-to video.
