What is a Radiant Barrier and How Will it Help During the Summer?

When it comes to combating Santa Rosa summers, we hear from homeowners that they’ll do anything to beat the heat. What if we told you there’s a way to push the sun’s radiation and thermal heat away from your home? Chances are you would tell us it’s too good to be true. It is true, and this effect is achieved with a radiant barrier. If you’re asking us what a radiant barrier is, it’s a heavy duty reflective material that reverses any heatwaves coming towards your roof and attic. Bonus, it can save money over time as well. To learn how a radiant barrier works and how it will help during the summer, read on.

What is a Radiant Barrier?

Let’s get the hardest question out of the way. A radiant barrier is a heavy, duty aluminum foil that blocks the reflects thermal radiation and blocks heat transfer. During the summer, your Santa Rosa attic can reach triple digits. Over time, that heat can leak into your home, forcing any HVAC system to work much harder than it needs to. While insulation can help with this problem, it’s not the best solution. We recommend insulation and a radiant barrier for optimal home comfort.

How do Radiant Barriers Work?

Have you ever put a mirror towards the sun? The mirror reflects the sun’s rays away from you and back into the atmosphere; this is how a radiant barrier works. Heat moves in a specific way. Through a combination of radiation, convection, and conduction it travels in a straight line and targets objects that are cooler in temperature, i.e. your roof and attic. Once the barrier is installed in your attic, it takes the sun’s radiance—and any other heat transfer—and pushes it away. Think of the mirror reflecting the light and heat away from you. The radiant barrier does this, just for your home. That transfer keeps your attic—and by proxy your home—much cooler.

What are the Pros?

There are many reasons why Santa Rosa homeowners would consider a radiant barrier. One thing is that it saves money over time. By naturally cooling your home with a radiant barrier, your HVAC system is forced to work less. This can save homeowners between 5% and 10% on cooling costs. Additionally, it saves homeowners on HVAC repair costs. When your HVAC isn’t forced to work as hard, it can work efficiently, saving you money and repairs. Also, as we mentioned above, on a hot day your attic can reach triple digits, the barrier saves anything that may be in your attic. If your HVAC system or ductwork lives in your attic, the barrier will cut down on wear and tear to your system and help elongate the life of your system.

Interested in Investing in a Radiant Barrier? Call Moore Home Services

Now that you know what a radiant barrier is, if you’re interested in learning more, it’s time to make an appointment with Moore Home Services. Our expertly trained technicians are on hand to answer any questions you may have. We are a Diamond Certified HVAC and plumbing provider proudly serving our Santa Rosa community. To schedule an appointment, call the phone number below, or click here to book online.