The stark reality of conventional
insulation
We need to start with some basic physics by identifying the three types of heat movement which are:
Conduction and convection
are methods in which heat flows. Conduction utilizes a solid to conduct
heat while convective heat flow reacts to fluid dynamics and the differential
buoyancy which causes hot air to rise and vice versa.
Radiation is a source of energy
in an electromagnetic wavelength, much like light. Consider this:
once radiation is stopped (absorbed), conduction and convection are created.
Webster's definitions:
Conductive
Heat "To act as a conveyor, transmitter, or conductor, as of electricity,
heat, etc.";
Conductive
heat requires a solid entity to allow heated molecules to transfer heat.
Conduction is fairly easy to limit by placing a non conductive or low mass
separation in its path.
Convective
Heat; "The transference of heat by the circulation of movement
of the heated parts of a liquid or gas;"
Convective
heat moves by the changing density of air or liquid. This creates a constant
movement of heat as long as there is a temperature differential between the
air or liquid and the source of heat. Convective heat movement is also fairly
easy to restrict, just keep the medium (air or water) from moving. Fibrous
insulation works well to limit convection.
Now let's take a look at the not so obvious:
Radiant Heat; "In Physics, (a) the transmission of electromagnetic energy through space in straight lines; opposed to conduction and convection; (b) energy in process of transference through space; used especially of light and infrared heat."
When
radiant heat is viewed as a form of energy, a wave length, rather than a
type of heat movement, it becomes easier to understand how it behaves
with fibrous insulation products. When radiant heat can be reduced from
entering a home, conductive and convective heat (which increases power usage),
also decreases proportionately. Therefore, if you can reduce the amount
radiant energy, you reduce convective and conductive heat loads which increases
comfort and significantly reduces the need for energy.
Reducing
infrared heat can be accomplished by placing one or more highly reflective
surfaces between the space being heated or cooled (your house), and the source
(the sun or your ceiling during the winter). Keep this in mind: Heat always moves from a higher temperature to a lower temperature.
Without protection from radiant heat, insulation traps, stores, then releases heat for hours consuming energy, reducing comfort, costing you energy dollars.
RESIST HEAT OR CHANGE THE
DIRECTION?
Now
let's look at what fiberglass does. If you live in Chicago, Minnesota,
Detroit or any cold winter climate, what do you when you are cold? Put
a sweater on. Sweaters have an "R" factor or resistance to heat
loss. Come August, will you be pulling weeds in the hot sun with
a sweater on? The sweater resists heat flow right? Obviously this
sounds crazy so why then do we put so much credence into the same scenario
in ceilings and walls of our homes? Why then are we building homes
in hot climates with sweaters in the walls and ceilings? Because building
codes, most of which orginated in cold climates, are designed for buildings
in cold climates.
RADIANT
BARRIER
A
radiant barrier is a highly reflective surface that easily changes the direction
of infrared heat instead of having it absorbed into your insulation.
Why
slow heat down in your home or office when you can change the direction with
a low cost, proven, high performance Radiant Barrier? The performance
is unmatched and comfort and savings are immediate. For a brochure
and sample click here.
RBS Chips for the attic
RBS
Chips have been time tested, proven and patented energy product which is now
available in a simple, cost effective do it yourself method. Simply
blow them in over your existing insulation and start saving.
We
can ship you the hose and light
weight installation machine. Just ship it back when you are done.
We now have installations all over the country. Email us for more details.
If your new home is in the planning stage, we can offer suggestions to build energy efficiency into your new home. If your home is the framing stage, you still have time to install the most efficient product in the walls and attic. Call today for a free estimate.
Contact us at: 602-867-3176 for ordering product or application questions.
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