BILL CHERRY'S GREATEST DALLAS PARK CITIES REAL ESTATE BLOG: LAST CHANCE FOR ENERGY TAX CREDIT - BY DALLAS REALTOR BILL CHERRY

            Over the past couple of years, the IRS has given a tax credit for beefing up attic insulation, installing properly rated energy-efficient windows and exterior doors, and in some instances, metal roofs.  But you've got to get this completed by December 31, 2007, unless Congress extends it.  And that's important.

            The reduction of radiant energy transfer is the most important trick of all, and one almost everyone with an older home should consider.   Here's what you need to do: 

• Add a continuous ridge vent on the roof and the correct area of soffit vents around your home's perimeter
• Have a product like Sherwin-Williams' E-Barrier sprayed to the underside of your roof decking - the side you see when you're in the attic and look up.

            Radiant energy is energy that comes in waves from the sun.  And those waves have great penetrating ability.  So in the summer, the sun's rays hit the roof and the roof absorbs heat, which increases temperatures in the attic.  Eventually, this heat is transferred throughout your home - resulting in increased air conditioning costs.  On cool days, when radiant energy comes from an inside source, it travels upward and escapes through the attic.  You don't want that to happen either.  In both situations your electricity and furnace fuel bills are costing you far more than they should.

            With the soffit vents and the continuous ridge vent, your attic cools by convection, and that's a big, big plus.  Add to that a coat of E-Barrier and you'll be amazed!

            Home architect, builder and well-known home improvement radio program host, Tom Tynan, says that <<Tom Tynan, "Home Improvement Hot Line"

the E-Barrier alone will reduces air conditioning bills by as much as 15% per year.  He's a reliable source since he's been involved in energy conservation inovations for years.

            Here's what Sherwin-Williams wrote about E-Barrier:  

            "Sherwin-Williams E-Barrier helps check this transfer of radiant energy with a formula that reflects the energy either away from the roof, or back into your home, depending upon the radiant energy source.  The latex-based coating can be quickly and easily applied by a knowledgeable painting contractor.  And, because E-Barrier Reflective Coating is a latex formula, it is low in odor during application and dries quickly.  Spray application speeds the job to completion, and since E-Barrier covers in one coat without dripping or running, there's little mess left behind."

            Get on top of these improvements now while Uncle Sam is willing to help you pay for them.