Radiant heat is heat that is transmitted from a heat source through space and a radiant barrier is designed to reflect that heat towards your living space.
Radiant barriers are made from materials that are poor at absorbing heat but excellent at reflecting it. A radiant barrier is usually a thin sheet or coating of a highly reflective material, mostly aluminum. An effective radiant barrier must reflect 97% of the heat and in order to perform correctly, the reflective side must be open to an air space.
By using radiant barrier foil you can substantial increase your energy savings especially since this foil barrier can reflect so much heat back to its source. By using a foil barrier you will keep your home far warmer than without a radiant barrier.
A few things are important to look out for when buying a radiant barrier. If you're doing the installation yourself, you should select a tear resistant radiant barrier so your installation will be easier. The best way to test the strength of the radiant barrier is to take a small sample and try to tear it by hand. If it rips apart, chances are it will tear easily and make your installation difficult.
The types that don't tear easily usually have a woven mesh that is laminated between two sheets of foil. Other types of radiant barrier use what is called, a " bubble-pack" between the foil sheets, giving the radiant barrier some added strength.
Another thing to check would be the flammability rating. You should select a radiant barrier that has a Class I USB (Uniform Building Code) or a Class A NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) flammability rating. To make sure, you can always ask your local fire department or building inspector to review your selection or recommend an appropriate product.
Be aware that radiant barriers can also be used as vapor barriers, which prevent moisture from passing through them. So depending on where you are using a radiant barrier will determine what kind you use. You don't want warm air passing through it onto a cold surface and then condensing, this could cause problems.
For installation, place the radiant barrier, foil-face up under a sub-floor about 1 to 2 inches below the radiant tubing.
To receive the best efficiency and comfort from your radiant heating system some basic rules should be followed; all of your exterior rim joists should be insulated; and insulation should be stapled to the bottom of your joists under the radiant barrier.
Also, keep in mind that radiant in-floor heat will not work properly until the joist space is closed.
While radiant barriers are certainly not new on the market, they are an inexpensive yet effective way for homeowners to save energy and money. Radiant barrier materials are continuing to improve and they are becoming widely available throughout North America.
With a radiant heat system, a radiant barrier will reflect the heat back into the home, heating your home much more efficiently.
To ensure your home is warm and energy efficient it is important to choose a heating system that fits the room or house size. If the system is too small it will have to work too hard and will be inefficient and expensive to operate. If you are looking for a more cost and energy efficient way to heat your home, radiant heating is a popular choice. Not familiar with it? Check out the benefits of radiant heating.
When you are buying a heating system you need to compare energy ratings between systems to find the system that will be most cost effective for you. If you choose the most energy efficient system it will save you money over the long term.
Radiant heating is an excellent heating option. Here is a system that emits from a hot surface such as a bar heater or gas heater or electricity. Radiant heat works best in rooms that are large open spaces and that are drafty. More than 50% of all new construction in Europe uses radiant heat.
In Norway and Sweden it is by far the most popular form of heating and in recent years it has become popular throughout the United States. That's because it's affordable and it's functional.
1) Comfort - Radiant heat is by far the most comfortable form of heat because it heats objects rather than the air. Think of how the sun heats: warming objects on the earth that then warms the air. That's just how radiant heating works. The heat radiates to your body making you feel warm and cozy. And unlike conventional heat where most of the heat is on the ceiling, instead the floors are the warmest part of the room, so that your feet are warm.
2) Quiet and Clean Operation - There is no sound or noise off of radiant heat systems and there are also no drafts or air movement so dust and germs are not spread thus decreasing sickness and disease.
3) Energy Savings - Because it is electric, it uses a very low-voltage to heat your flooring. Radiant heat is so efficient it will save you 20-40% of the cost of heating over the cost of conventional methods. And because it warms your body instead of the air you feel comfortable at a lower temperature so you can turn your thermostat down to 65 degrees Farenheit. That means you'll not only save but you will also feel comfortable and cozy.
4) Decorating Freedom - Radiant heat is a lot more attractive than conventional heat and you don't have to worry yourself with the location of a huge heating system. The system is small and out of the way allowing you maximum freedom in how you design your home. It has particular application in areas with limited wall space or excessive heat loss, such as kitchens, solariums, or baths. You can see why radiant heating is becoming the main stream around the planet. After all it has so much to offer and it is so affordable that you'd have to wonder why anyone wouldn't make the switch.
There are many benefits to using radiant heating and now that you know what some of those are you can certainly see its potential. So what are you waiting for?
Both Larry B Lang & Terry Fitzroy are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Larry B Lang has sinced written about articles on various topics from Install Flooring, Home Management and Home Improvement. This article may be distributed freely on your website, as long as this entire article, including working links and this resource box are unchanged. Copyright 2006 Larry Lang All Rights Reserved. Lang Enterprises Inc.. Larry B Lang's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.
Terry Fitzroy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Tax Software, Pets and Cars. Terry Fitzroy is a professional writer and product reviewer specializing in and. Terry Fitzroy's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.