Florida

Solar Energy Center
Philip Fairley
David Beal

Sponsored by Florida Power and Light Company and the U.S. Department of Energy.

“ the existing body of world research conclusively shows that attic radiant barrier systems are an effective means of
consistently produce measured ceiling heat gain reductions of 30 – 50 % in summer.”

“ energy paybacks are reported to be rapid “


“ the principle finding of our research is that there is convincing scientific evidence to allow for the safe, effective use of attic radiant barrier systems in southern buildings. Their use has been shown to economically reduce both cooling energy consumption and peak electrical demand. The scientific evidence is compelling.”

“ it is found that attic radiant barriers block radiation transfer across the attic airspace equally, independent of location of the radiant barrier in the attic; whether glued to the roof decking, draped over roof trusses, or located on the top of the ceiling when new.”

“ in a typical attic, a single sheet of high purity aluminum foil will reduce the normal radiation transfer across the attic airspace by 90 to 95%. this results in significantly reduced ceiling insulation top-surface temperatures. The experimental results show that this temperature decrease is so significant that heat gains through the ceiling are reduced by up to 50% on summer days.”

“ wintertime heating energy use in buildings is significantly higher at night. During this time of day, attic radiant barriers perform well, significantly reducing ceiling heat loss.”

From FSEC-en-15-87
Florida Solar Energy Center

“ attic radiant barriers made of aluminum foil are becoming a popular way for homeowners to save energy and money
in southern states.”

“ in hot climates, benefits of attic radiant barriers include both dollar savings and increased comfort.”

“ in summer, when your roof gets very hot, a radiant barrier cuts air conditioning costs by blocking a sizeable portion of the downward heat gain into the building.”

“ in the warm spring and fall, radiant barriers may save you even more energy and cooling dollars by increasing your
personal comfort- so you can stay comfortable without air conditioning.”

“ because radiant barriers keep attics cooler, the space is more usable for storage.”

“ a cooler attic transfers less heat into the air- conditioning ducts, so the cooling system operates more
efficiently.”

“ FSEC has measured and reported that radiant barriers can reduce heat gain through an r-19 insulated ceiling by
over 40%.”

“FSEC has measured and reported that depending on color, shingles peak temperatures are only 2-5 degrees higher with an attic radiant barrier system than without.”

“ computer studies conducted in the development of a florida model energy code indicate that a typical radiant barrier system will offer a 15-19% return on investment.”

“ attic radiant barriers are an inexpensive but effective way for sunbelt owners to save energy and money.”

*** “ manufacturers are continuing to improve radiant barrier materials.”
*** prodex has been developed since the writing of these reports and with its ¼ inch polyetheline foam core sandwiched between two radiant barriers, it is infinitely more efficient than the single aluminum barriers that were tested!

From FSEC-dn-6-86:

“ research points to exciting potential for reducing heat gain in buildings by controlling radiation transfer in walls and ceilings through the use of radiant barriers.”

“ radiant energy travels in a straight line through space; it is the main means of energy transport throughout the known universe.”

“ a florida house attic offers excellent potential for the use of radiant barrier systems.”

Copyright 2006 ProdexSA