Caroline,
I finally read trough the fact sheet from Department of Energy and they seem to miss a few things about radiant barriers. They are studying and measure the effect of radiant barriers with fixed air temperature and without any other considerations. The assumptions and measurements does not consider the effect on the effective temperature and comfort. Simulations show that with the same effective temperature (perception temperature) the air temperature will be lower and the comfort factor improve and it is verified by practical research. This means that in the practical use, the air temperature will be lowered with 2-4 degree F with the indirect saving 10 to 20% and the total saving between 15 to 25%. This is also confirmed by the practical results from the studies of low emission paints. http://energy.saving.nu/calculations/effectivetemp.shtml The problem with the fixation on air temperature and insulation, is that they both only represent a smaller part of our environment and will not represent the actual reality. By varying radiation factors, air temperatures and humidity, it is possible to create a room with the same perception of temperature, within an air temperature that ranges from 16 to 26 degree Celsius. The simplest way to study this is by field studies of the practical result on energy use. It can also be studied by measurement of effective temperature in built models or simulations that includes HVAC system, effective temperature and comfort coefficient. Since you described your house, I am sure that you have experiences that have a correlation with what I am saying. DOE's paper on radiant floors, show similar discrepancies from realities. Hakan At 11:48 AM 9/25/2002 -0400, you wrote: >This excerpt is taken from the following source: >http://www.ornl.gov/roofs+walls/radiant/rb_02.html ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Plan to Sell a Home? http://us.click.yahoo.com/J2SnNA/y.lEAA/MVfIAA/FGYolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuels list archives: http://archive.nnytech.net/ Please do NOT send Unsubscribe messages to the list address. To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
