Is a Radiant Barrier Worth the Investment?

Radiant barriers can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable, especially during the warmer months. However, some climates benefit from radiant barriers much more than other climates. This guide tells you everything you need to know about radiant barriers, including the different types, costs, and ideal climates, so you can make an informed decision for your household.

What Is a Radiant Barrier?

A radiant barrier is a type of insulation that's typically made from a substrate material, such as cardboard or plastic film, topped with a reflective material, like aluminum foil. Radiant barriers can also be made from reflective paint. Either way, the reflective material reflects radiant heat, aka the heat from the sun, rather than absorbing it. 

Their reflective properties help keep homes cool during warmer months. They can also prevent some heat from escaping during cooler months, but other insulation types are more effective at doing that. 

Radiant Barrier Foil vs. Spray Coatings

Both radiant barrier foil and radiant barrier spray coatings reflect radiant heat, but there are some key differences between the two. Radiant barrier spray coatings aren't typically as effective as radiant barrier foils, but they're easier to apply over very large areas, hard-to-access places, and spaces with irregular shapes. 

Radiant barrier foils are easier to install, and many handy homeowners can install a radiant barrier themselves. In contrast, spray coatings typically require a pro to install as they'll need special equipment, like a VOC respirator and a radiant barrier sprayer, to do so safely. 

The Best Climates to Use Radiant Barriers

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Since radiant barriers are designed to reflect radiant heat from the sun, they work best in climates that see a lot of sunshine throughout the year. So homes based in the southern United States benefit most from these barriers. Homes in cooler climates and regions that don't see a lot of sunshine don't benefit as much from these barriers since radiant heat from the sun doesn't penetrate the interiors of these homes very much. 

Are Radiant Barriers Worth It?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs by 5% to 10% when used in warm, sunny climates, which can save you money on your monthly energy bills while making your home more comfortable. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the average electric bill is $137 per month, so you can expect to save around $7 to $14 per month with a radiant barrier. This makes it a worthwhile investment for many households, especially since many radiant barriers pay for themselves in savings within 10 years or so in warm climates. 

However, if you live in a cool climate that doesn't see a lot of sunshine, then a radiant barrier might not be worth it since the benefits become much less pronounced in these regions. Still, if you install a radiant barrier over other insulation, it can provide at least some benefit in just about any climate. 

How Much Do Radiant Barriers Cost?

Radiant barriers cost between $0.10 and $0.25 per square foot for a one-sided foil barrier and $0.50 to $0.90 per square foot for a two-sided foil barrier. If you opt for a spray-on radiant barrier instead, you can expect to pay between $0.60 and $1 per square foot. 

DIY Radiant Barrier Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Many handy homeowners can learn how to install a radiant barrier themselves using just a few tools and supplies. However, this only goes for foil radiant barriers. Installing a spray-on radiant barrier can release harmful VOCs, so it's a job best left to a local insulation company, which will have the equipment and safety gear necessary to safely and properly install it.