R-Values Alone Do Not Accurately Predict Real-World Performance
An EnergyWise certified structure does not allow the use of spun glass insulation material (fiberglass). Performance predictions using heat transfer calculations based on tested and published R-values alone do not accurately predict real-world performance. R-Value is a term given to the property of any material to “resist” the conduction of heat. R-Value as a property is legitimate. The functional design of the laboratory determination of this property, relative to insulation materials, is flawed at a fundamental level – yielding what can be called the R-Value myth. This flaw forces the engineering community, bound to adhere to the scientific formulas dictated by their governing body (ASHRAE), to calculate heat loads using the “myth” that this R-Value property of various insulation materials derived by flawed test methods can accurately predict the performance of the insulation material in real life. Not true.
Let’s look at the flawed test criteria used in the laboratories to determine R-values. The first flaw relates to “standard temperature”. This stipulates that the test be conducted at a constant temperature of 75-degrees fahrenheit. Does it seem odd that a test to determine the performance values for insulation material for HVAC equipment would be designed around a 75-degree temperature? Who uses heat or cooling when it’s 75 degrees? It isn’t surprising that fiberglass performs well at 75-degrees. However, the efficiency of fiberglass dramatically decreases at temperatures that are above or below 75-degrees while foam insulation performs very well.
The second flaw of the test criteria requires that R-value testing not start until the materials reach “steady state”. Steady state occurs when a material is exposed to a heat source and allowed to become thermally saturated so that for every single unit of heat entering on one side of the material a single unit of heat exits the opposite side. This seems very scientific. It appears logical, but it misses a single important issue relevant to predicting real world performance: The amount of time it takes to reach steady state.
Why is the time to reach steady state important?
What any consumer should want out of an insulation material is “high thermal inertia” the ability to collect and store heat transfer. Because fiberglass insulation reaches steady-state within a few hours, and foam insulations take about a day to get to steady state it is clear that foam insulations have a much greater ability collect and store heat transfer. In the final analysis, foam insulations are far better insulators than fiberglass. In addition, foam insulations act as an impediment to air infiltration. Fiberglass can not make the same claim.
Think of it this way: the next time someone says, “if both insulation materials have the same R-value, they should perform the same,” ask them, “would you rather pour hot coffee (which is served at around 180 degrees) over your lap into a thin foam cup or into 1″ of fiberglass insulation (which is about the thickness of your HVAC system filter)?” Does one inch of foam truly perform the same as one inch of fiberglass? You get the idea!