The SECRET

In every state there is a Secret, THEY do not want you to know about regarding the cost

of energy to cool or heat your home. That secret is guarded by building and energy

industry professionals who are more concerned with their profit margins than energy

conservation or savings. They have powerful lobbies which influence the building codes

across the country. They guard their secret with misinformation and ignorance. What is

this secret that every homeowner should know?

Every house can be made more energy efficient by controlling the amount of radiant

heat that enters or exits the building. R-values in roof and wall assemblies have been

developed over the years as a hybrid economic cost/savings energy conservation model.

In essence higher R-values are generally required in colder climates. R-values are a

measurement of the resistance of a material such as fiberglass to resist the movement of

heat. The thicker the material is, the more the resistance and the greater the R-value.

Thus six inch fiberglass is rated at R-19 while twelve inch fiberglass is rated at R-38.

BUT there is a flaw in the model! In many building designs there is six inches or less

of wall cavity and twelve inches of less of ceiling cavity that can be filled (vaulted or

cathedral ceilings). AND in attics in the southern U.S. generally no more than twelve

inches of material is used anyway. The Flaw is twelve inches or less of insulation is not

sufficient resistance to stop the movement of radiant heat. In some areas even 18-24" of

mass insulation will not stop radiant heat movement! So, what is the solution?

In warm climates for existing homes add a reflective foil radiant barrier to the top of the

insulation or under the rafters and increase the air ventilation in the attic by using and

active attic fan system such as a solar fan. The energy savings can be as much as 25%.

In new construction in warm climates drape the radiant barrier over he rafters to create an

air space before the roof deck is installed and insure there is adequate attic ventilation. In

cold climates the radiant barrier should be installed under the ceiling joists with at least a

¾" air space on both sides of the reflective foil except at the joist contact points. Also

apply a radiant barrier to the walls before the interior wall coverings are installed. A

reflective foil radiant barrier can block 97% of the radiant heat movement and

substantially reduce heat gain or loss. THEY do not want you to know about this

secret because they lose money at the cost of your monthly energy bill. Save

hundreds of dollars every year.