Attic Fan Vs Radiant Barrier

Without an attic fan attic temperatures can reach up to 150.

Attic fan vs radiant barrier.

A larger air space between the radiant barrier and the attic roof essentially increases the effectiveness of the radiant barrier s efforts at reducing heat transfer. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic. Watch this youtube video for an excellent explanation of the importance of an air gap. Just beware of mixing passive and active venting in an attic that s a bad idea.

This video will also help you to understand the concepts of convection conduction and. Offers a variety of attic fans including solar powered fans. For example most homes don t have enough insulation to start with. Keep in mind in order to get this price you must be very savvy with electrical and active venting solutions.

A radiant barrier can lower that heat transfer keep the attic space cooler and lower cooling costs by up to 17 in warmer climates. 95 of homeowners will not be able to install a roof mounted attic fan with temp switch or proper venting. Radiant barrier should always be installed to work with the soffit and ridge. Some people have powered attic fans or solar fans and those are ok too.

Total diy radiant barrier installation costs w attic fan. Installing radiant barrier under the roof decking is the preferred method versus on top of the insulation because it gives an air gap for the heat to escape to the ridge vent without creating a potential moisture problem between the radiant barrier and the attic floor. Finally if you re trying to reduce heat loss from the home into the attic you need to consider adding a radiant barrier over your insulation on the attic floor to help the home from radiating heat into the attic space. Increasing summer energy consumption and cooling costs.

Also the greater the temperature difference between the sides of the radiant barrier material the greater the benefits a radiant barrier. Total diy radiant barrier comparison cost vs savings. For exhaust you can have a ridge vent a static roof vent a turbine whirly bird vent or gable vents. The answer is that there are other things you can do that would be more effective in terms of energy efficiency.

Find out whether it s worth the money to install a radiant barrier in your attic. Improper attic ventilation can cause an over use of your air conditioning unit which raises your energy bill significantly. A radiant barrier works best when it is perpendicular to the radiant energy striking it. Installing 19 inches of batt insulation or 22 of blown in is the single most cost effective way to reduce your heating and cooling costs.