This is a very high priority topic that seems to be asked by most of my clients, "How can I make my home more energy efficient"? There are numerous factors that are involved in the energy efficiency of your house. I tell them to first check the exterior caulking on all window frames. This may seem very minor, but, with all of the factors involved, it all adds up. The next thing to do is to make sure that all exterior doors are properly weather sealed. Make sure that you do not see any daylight around these doors. One of the obvious items is going to be the insulation in the attic. Most new homes are properly insulated, however, older homes could usually use another layer of insulation, or have some additional insulation blown in. One of the newer methods that is seeming to be very popular is adding a radiant barrier paint on the underside of the roof decking in the attic. I have actually done many of these installations myself for people who are requesting it. This radiant barrier paint reflects the ultraviolet rays from the sun, and keeps the attic up to 40 degrees cooler, which is a huge factor in the cooling of the house.
Cody, I havent heard of the radiant barrier paint before, So it is just painted on the under side of the plywood? Seems to good to be true?
Hey Robert, yes, it is a radiant barrier paint. It is expensive, usually around $50.00-$75.00 a gallon, but very effective. Five gallons will usually due a typical 2500 square foot house. The results are usually around a $75.00 difference in the light bill a month. It is an amazing product.
Sounds like something to look into, where can you find it? (Brand, website?) and is it a Do-it your self type product?
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/pro/green/thermal_comfort/
This is the product that I have been using and it has been very successful. It is not cheap for the product and the installation, but, it pays for itself in one year, or less. It will usually cost around $2,000.00 to have the paint supplied and installed, but a very good investment.
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