Heat transfer, poor insulation and heat loss. These are all concepts that homeowners who want to save money should learn more about. The fact is that more heat leaves the home through the attic than most people realize. But the good news is that addressing the problem with Radiant Barrier insulation saves energy and money.
One of the laws of thermodynamics states that heat transfers from warm to cool. Do you think you are cooling your lemonade with those ice cubes? Think again. The heat content inside the glass automatically transfers to the ice because it is colder. It is accurate to say that the lemonade heats the ice. The result of the transfer is a cool, refreshing drink. There are three methods of heat transfer:
- Conduction
- Convection
- Radiation
Conduction occurs when heat travels from one molecule to another. An example is a heating element. Good conductors of heat are usually also good conductors of electricity.
Convection is a heat transfer facilitated by the flow of air. Warm air is lighter, so it naturally moves up. The cold air weighs more; it travels down.
Radiation is the method by which heat transfers from one object to another by moving through space. The heat you feel when standing near a camp fire or a radiator are examples of radiation.
The warm air in your home rises to the highest point. Poor insulation allows heat to transfer through the attic to the outdoors. Radiant Barrier is a reflective insulation that prevents this transfer by radiating heat back to the living space. This increases the efficiency of furnaces of all makes and models.
The reflective insulation rests on the existing insulation. It is easy to install, and homeowners notice a difference immediately. One homeowner in Texas said, “My bill went from $400 to $200!”
Give your heating system a break. Try Radiant Barrier and find out why it works.