The Energy Efficiency Savings of a Radiant Barrier

Radiant Barriers and Reflective Insulation
products can earn the ENERGY STAR label (as insulation). Radiant barriers are a metallic foil material (usually a sheet of foil alone or attached to something such as plywood or rigid foam) designed to block radiant heat transfer across open spaces. The material usually contains reflective aluminum. One side of the radiant barrier should be clean and dust free and must face an open air space for the product to provide maximum benefit. Radiant barriers are most effective at reducing cooling bills in hot, sunny climates. However, in some special cases the product can help reduce heating bills as well. Special care should be taken when installing radiant barriers to ensure that at least one reflective side of the product is installed next to an air space that will not (over time) be covered with dust. If it becomes covered with dust, such as on the floor of an attic, performance will decline.