Houston Radiant Barrier, Houston Insulation, Houston Ventilation

Q. What is a radiant barrier?
A. A radiant barrier (materials usually consisting of a thin sheet or coating of a highly reflective material) reflects up to 97% of the “radiant” energy that comes from the sun. Radiant energy is generated by the sun and travels through space and does not create any heat until it strikes any object. This energy would normally conduct through your roof, radiate to your insulation and then into your home. By applying Radiant Barriers to the underside of your roof deck, you can lower your utility bills and increase your comfort.

Q. How much money will I save if I install radiant barriers, insulation, and ventilation?
A. This depends on the existing condition in your attic. If you have little or no insulation then the upgrade alone can save you 30% on heating and cooling costs.

A Radiant Barrier can save you from 8 – 15% depending again on the existing condition. Not many numbers are given for ventilation. However, it makes sense that moving that hot air from your attic will save you money.

Q. What are the 3 modes of Heat Transfer?
A.

1. Conductive: Heat transfer that results from molecular-level kinetic energy in solids. We try to control this type of transfer with insulation and thermal mass.

2. Convective: The transfer of heat by the circulation or movement of the heated parts of a liquid or gas. Proper attic ventilation allows cooler air in at the eaves and expells hot attic air from the roof ventilators. It also removes moisture.

3. Radiant: Heat transfer that moves energy by means of electromagnetic waves. Two surfaces of different temperature are all that’s needed to pass radiant energy. When matter absorbs radiant energy, heat is produced.

Q. What else can I do to save money and make my home more energy efficient?
A.

1. Replace windows or at least caulk around them.
2. Weather strip doors.
3. Change your energy provider, if you are still with the primary retail electric provider then you can save by switching to a more competitive supplier.
4. Energy efficient light bulbs.
5. Upgrade your air conditioner (this can be expensive) or at least keep up with regular filter changes and yearly maintenance to ensure proper function of the system.
6. Install a programmable thermostat.
7. Set your thermostat at a higher temperature in the summer and lower in the winter.
8. Install ceiling fans and then change your thermostat. You will feel as cool as before.

Q. How long will my attic upgrade take?
A. Most jobs take 4 to 6 hours and almost never more than 1 day.

Q. How soon can you get to my job?
A. We try to keep the backlog to less than 2 weeks and in most cases 1 week.