Lindale radiant barriers, also known as reflective barriers, are innovative forms of insulation that work against the transfer of radiant heat. They are made of aluminum and were originally created by NASA as protection from temperature extremes for astronaut spacesuits. They work because of the properties of aluminum. Aluminum is able to reflect heat back to the heat source. It also allows very little heat to be transferred past the reflective surface. This Lindale radiant barrier would be effective at keeping excess heat out of any building it was placed in. However, for optimal comfort and prevention of the transfer of thermal energy, radiant barriers are two-sided, so that when desired based upon the seasons, heat from the outside is not transferred inside, and heat from within the building is not transferred to the outside. In order for Lindale radiant barriers to work, it is also necessary that they be installed in a place where there is significant space for the air, or where there is another form of insulation found on either side of the barrier.

Benefits of a Lindale Radiant Barrier:

Homeowners can benefit from Lindale radiant barriers because these devices keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. As a result, the home becomes more energy efficient and comfortable, and homeowners can save money on their energy bills, both heating and cooling. Without a Lindale radiant barrier installed, heat is generally trapped in the summer or lost in the winter in homes through air ducts, for instance. The amount of savings has a great number of variables, and it depends on the geographic location and the amount of trees that exist around individual homes. However, the savings are often significant! In some cases up to 40%  Over time, the Lindale radiant barrier will pay for itself, if professionally installed.

Premiere Lindale Radiant Barrier Installation Company

Radiant barriers can be placed in a number of different locations throughout the house. Energy Improvements is the oldest Lindale Radiant Barrier company in the United States and will make sure that you will have a worry-free and stress free radiant barrier installation!

Is there any difference in the energy savings of the various brands of energy efficient light bulbs? I just finished converting every light bulb in my house to the new energy efficient bulbs. I did it with a combination of GE, Sylvania, and Walgreens house brand. I’m just wondering if there is any difference in the life or energy savings between the brands. I have noticed that the 13 watt (replaced 60 watt) Walgreens brand gives off a white light, which I prefer, while the GE gives off a yellow light. Why is that?

Radiant Barrier Foil Experts at Energy Improvements Answer:

a 60 watt incandescent light bulb is very different form a 13 watt fluorescent bulb. In an incandesent electricity runs through a filament. Because the filament is so thin, it offers a good resistance to the electricity, and this resistance turns electrical energy into heat. The heat is enough to make the filament white hot, and the “white” part is light. The filament glows because of the heat. it incandesces. on the other hand, A fluorescent bulb uses a completely different method to produce light. inside the tube their are argon and mercury vapor gases. electrons flow through the gas from one electrode to the other, thus making a whiter light. ive had all types of brand name bulbs in my home, never noticed a difference between any. (all same wattage) their is no difference besides the name and the price. parts and gasses are all the same. in other words, get the cheapo they work just as good.

Marty Thomas is the Radiant Barrier Foil Installation manager at Energy Improvements tells you about a recent encounter that our radiant barrier installers had with a few raccoons!

OFFICIALLY UL Listed!

The most effective way ENERGY IMPROVEMENT SHIELD has been tested to work is being laid over the mass insulation. Not only do you keep from heating up the attic in the winter you get all the fire safety benefits.

With ENERGY IMPROVEMENT SHIELD, the furnace and sun’s heat bounces back – it does not penetrate the reflective surface.

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

ENERGY IMPROVEMENT SHIELD is a space blanket for you attic. It reduces heat transfer in both summer and winter. ENERGY IMPROVEMENT SHIELD works like the astronaut’s reflective suit which protects him from both heat and cold.

HOW DOES IT WORK? 
A radiant barrier reflects radiant heat energy instead of trying to absorb it. What does this mean in your home or business? During the winter, 50-75% of heat loss happens through the ceiling/roofing system and 65-80% of heat loss happens through walls is radiant. In the summer, up to 93% of heat gain is radiant. If you are depending on R-value (resistance) alone to insulate against heat gain and loss, remember that traditional forms of insulation are virtually transparent to radiant energy and are affected by changes in humidity (moisture levels). A 1-1/2% change in the moisture content of fiberglass insulation will result in a 36% decrease in performance (referenced from HVAC Manual 10.6; McGraw-Hill). A pure aluminum radiant barrier is unaffected by humidity and will continue to perform at a consistent level no matter how humid it may be.

The claim: CFL bulbs create a harsh, narrow, cold light that is hard to read by. They trigger headaches, nausea and eye irritation in some individuals.

Poor-quality or older-model bulbs that don’t have an optimal current-management system will flicker, says Stephanie J. Anderson, of Osram Sylvania, a bulb manufacturer. This flicker may not be consciously perceived through the human eye, but it can cause eyestrain, leading to headaches and discomfort.

Image by sujal via Flickr

Do you have any tips on vehicle gas conservation?

Thanks,
Mary

Hi Mary: 
Are specialty is in home energy improvements in regards to a radiant barrier.  However, we  sent our team to help find some energy tips  on driving and here is what they were able to find:

Driving

• Avoid rapid acceleration; most horsepower (consumes a lot of gas) is built into cars for acceleration; relatively little power (and thus fuel) is required to maintain speed.
• Avoid hard braking and sudden stops. Stay alert and anticipate traffic lights, stop signs and merges. Use turn signals. Traffic will move more smoothly, which saves fuel for everyone.
• When starting out, shift up to the next gear (manual transmission) as soon as possible without straining the engine.
• Drive more slowly. One study reported that for all vehicles tested there was at least 20% loss in fuel economy as cruising speed was increased from 55 to 75 mph. So, 20 mpg at 55 mph becomes 16 mpg or less at 75 mph.
• If your car has an instantaneous mpg indicator, use it to improve your driving efficiency.
• Remove extra weight from the car; 100 extra pounds may cost 1 mpg. Pack lightly for trips.
• Try to avoid using roof racks and remove when they are not in use.
• Use cruise control on highway trips.
• For any stop you expect to last more than a minute, shut of your engine rather than letting it idle.
• Do not warm engine up before driving; it is not necessary, even in cold weather.
• Do not rev engine before shutting it off; this wastes fuel and can dilute motor oil, leading to excessive wear on engine parts.
• Reduce the use of your air conditioner at low driving speeds. When driving over 40 mph using the air conditioner costs less fuel than having windows open.
• Park in the shade and/or leave windows slightly open to reduce the need for air conditioning.

Image via Wikipedia

Radiant Barrier Installation Question:

There are many websites out there that tell you what is the best way to install it. Some want you to install it BETWEEN your roof support joists. Some want you to install it ON TOP of your wood joists. Some say that you should just put a layer down on top of your existing insulation and not even worry about putting it on your roof joists. Do you have any idea what works best?? They all appear to work WELL, but if I’m spending the money to have it installed, I want to make sure that it is installed right.

Thanks.
Jonathan

Radiant Barrier Installers Answer:

Dear Jonathan:

We understand your frustration at all of the different methods out there for Radiant Barrier Installation! We hope this video will help solve your question. Also, we are looking forward to installing your Radiant Barrier for you.