One way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to improve your insulation. You may have heard of radiant barrier insulation, but how does it differ from thermal insulation? What are the benefits and drawbacks?
In this blog, we’ll compare radiant barrier and thermal insulation, and share how you can make the right choice for your home.
What Is Thermal Insulation & How Does It Work?
Good insulation is the best way to keep your home cool during the summer and warm in the winter. There are three types of thermal insulation: fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam. They all work in different ways but have one thing in common — they work like a blanket around your home to give you full control over your indoor climate.
Thermal insulation prevents conductive or convective cooling from entering your home through gaps around doorways and windows where air leaks in. Whether the weather’s hot or cold, you can count on thermal protection to keep things at an ideal temperature in your home.
Pros & Cons of Radiant Barrier for Albany Homes
Radiant barrier insulation can be used in many ways to keep your home cool and comfortable. This highly reflective film is mounted to a substrate material such as cardboard and works to reduce summer heat gain. It’s often installed under floors or ceilings to help with cooling efficiency and effectiveness in your home.
With this type of installation, you don’t need to worry about excess energy being lost, especially if you live in warmer areas. Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of radiant barrier insulation.
The Pros:
- Provides effective insulation in hot climates
- Resistant to mold growth
- Doesn’t deteriorate
The Cons:
- Better suited for warmer climates
- Doesn’t prevent conductive heat gain
- Prone to dust and dirt buildup
Should I Install Radiant Barrier or Thermal Insulation?
You may be wondering if radiant barrier or thermal insulation is the right choice for your home. This depends on factors like where you live and what your budget is. Radiant barrier is often installed in hot climates because it can reduce cooling costs by 5% to 10%.
Studies show that it can reduce AC unit power consumption by up to 15%. This makes radiant barrier insulation ideal for areas with year-round high temperatures.
In cold climates, such as Upstate New York where winters can be harsh, it’s more cost-effective for homeowners and businesses to install extra thermal insulation rather than adding a radiant barrier.
Foil insulation isn’t often used in these areas since it’s designed specifically for hot climates such as Florida and Arizona. Consulting an expert can help you make a more informed decision when it comes to selecting the right insulation for your home.
Choose Builders Installed Products Albany for Insulation Services
Since 1993, our company has served homeowners and builders alike. Our 25+ years in the industry means we know what it takes to get your job done right. Rest assured you’re doing business with highly experienced and trusted contractors when you enlist the services of Builders Installed Products Albany.
With our expertise, you’re guaranteed tailored solutions for your insulation investment so you can be confident in its effectiveness and long-lasting quality.
Our contractors in Albany will help you select the right insulation for your home.
Call 518-650-1100 or contact us online to speak with a specialist today.
