FPC Residential Monitoring Project: New Technology Development Radiant Barrier Pilot Project

The FPC Monitoring project has evaluated radiant barrier systems (RBS) as a new potential DSM program. The objective was to examine how the retrofit of attic radiant barriers can be expected to alter FPC residential space conditioning loads. An RBS consists of a layer of aluminum foil fastened to roof decking or roof trusses to block radiant heat transfer between the hot roof surface and the attic below. The radiant barrier can significantly lower summer heat transfer to the attic insulation and to the cooling duct system. Both of these mechanisms have strong potential impacts on cooling energy use as illustrated in Figures E-1 and E-2. The fundamental objective for the second phase of the FPC monitoring project is to evaluate new potential DSM programs. This report describes an assessment of a pilot project examining how the retrofit of attic radiant barrier systems (RBS) can be expected to alter FPC residential space conditioning loads. The pilot project involved installation of RBS in nine homes which had been extensively monitored over the preceding year. Data analysis of the pre and post cooling and heating consumption was used to determine likely impacts on energy and peak demand for the utility