energy savings

[Juram]

Originally Posted by nightgirl151

Got a quote on getting radiant barrier and attic ducts sealed, and adding a return air vent in our master bedroom and the price seems a bit high.

For those of you that have had this work done- what was your price quoted per sq foot of attic space of radiant barrier? The company quoted us $3 sq ft for radiant barrier, $700 to add a return air vent in our master bedroom, and $2000 to seal up our duct work (15 total vents).

Is this a reasonable price? I am getting other quotes as well, just want to make sure that prices are in line!

Thx!!

$3 a square foot for radiant barrier means that the salesperson is getting paid on a par/above par commission system. Meaning that if the radiant barrier normally goes for $0.50 a square foot, the salesman has tacked on $2.50 a square foot, of which he will get anywhere from 35-50% of the additional amount in commission.

So yes, basically the salesperson is trying to ********* over.

In terms of a fair comparison, radiant barrier shouldn't cost you anything more than $0.50 a square foot, fully installed. The company, depending on how much volume they purchase, will get it for anywhere from $0.15-$0.20 a square foot, tack on another $0.20-$0.40 for installation depending on the size of the attic and complexity of the job and you that should suffice.

$3.00 though? Wow, that's a real screwjob they are pulling on you, I'd call up and ask to speak to the owner and say "what the hell, over?" They really are trying to take you to the cleaners.......and then back their van over you a few times afterwards just for good measure.

[Juram]

Originally Posted by nightgirl151

We have shade screens on all windows except north facing ones, upgraded attic insulation (r48). Ceiling fans in all rooms, all the incoming vents are open. I've called a few other companies recommended by posters on here as well as Angie's List, and have someone coming tomorrow and another company coming on Thursday for bids...will keep you all posted on results!

If you have R48, then I'd really skip the radiant barrier. The idea behind radiant barrier is that it reflects heat from getting into the attic and it has shown to be fairly effective in hot climates, but only if the normal insulation is insufficient.


Radiant barrier with R18 insulation? Will be effective.


Radiant barrier with R48 insulation? Not worth the investment.



I'm also 50/50 on the ventilation units. The deal with those is that they need to be properly sized to the attic, not properly sized to whatever makes the salesperson's bottom line look best.