Saving money on energy with radiant heat barriers
The energy savings differ on your energy-use habits and may also depend on the climate you live in.
How does it work
A radiant heat barrier is actually a thing, reflective sheet, usually made from aluminum. It can be applied over existing insulation on your roof.
Savings
The amount of heat transferred from your attic to your home will be reduced by 40%. This means reduced cooling costs. It is estimated that the costs with electric bills will be reduced by 20% in warm weather. The return of investment will happen in about 5 years.
Insulation
A great factor is the actual insulation on your home. If the insulation is properly installed, and the R factor is of 30, then the savings from installing the barrier will be minimal. If there is little or no insulation, then the savings will be significant.
Climate
Radiant heat barriers means lower cooling costs in the summer and lower heating costs in the winter. But the actual savings will be from cooling costs. So in milder climates, the payback for the investment will be longer. You will save less money then if you were living in a hotter climate.
Emerging data
There is no data that will tell you that the radiant heat barriers will be more or less effective or that it will save you a certain amount of money. These barriers do not have an R factor like traditional insulation. It all depends on the climate, insulation and personal habits.