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Effect of Radiant Barrier Technology on Summer Attic Heat Load in South Texas
Abstract
The objective of the study was to experimentally
evaluate the performance of radiant barriers in
single-family occupied housing units in South
Texas. Ceiling heat fluxes, attic air temperatures,
indoor air temperatures, ambient air temperatures.
roof temperatures, and solar radiation were
measured. Results of the radiant barrier experiment
using two side-by-side 600 ft2 units are presented.
Attic fiberglass insulation of nominal R-11 was
installed in the two apartments when the units were
last remodeled in 1974. The test houses responded
similarly to weather variations, that is, attic
temperature and heat flux profiles were similar in
magnitude prior to the retrofit. Residents of the
housing units were asked to set the thermostats at
76°F. Data were analyzed for periods of time which
had the greatest attic temperatures (11 a.m. - 11
p.m.) and for which the indoor temperature
differences were less than 1 percent. The results
showed that radiant barriers reduced ceiling heat
loads (on daily basis) by an average of 60 percent.
Citation
Ashley, R.; Garcia, O.; Medina, M. A.; Turner, W. D. (1994). Effect of Radiant Barrier Technology on Summer Attic Heat Load in South Texas. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6636.