[Greenbuilding] Aluminum siding?

[Bobbi Chukran]

Posting this again since I never got confirmation that it was  
delivered. Apologies if it was!

Hi all,

Just an update on the new/old house.  We're patching holes, caulking,  
got a new AC unit in (nice Carrier Infinity with UV lamp and air  
filter) and are about to get bids to do foam insulation on the bottom  
of the house and in the attic.

We've had a hellish summer here in Texas, and the new AC is barely  
able to keep the house cool enough so that we can work inside.  We  
knew that might be the case, but hoped it might be a bit better than  
it has been.

My question du jour is about the siding.  Right now, the house is  
encased in white aluminum siding, put on in the 60's.  I know that  
metal roofs reflect heat out, but what about a metal house?  I have a  
notion that the siding is making the house hotter on the inside than  
it would be otherwise, but I have no proof.

It does have the original wood underneath, which may be in good shape  
but will definitely need scraping/repainting, and I'm 99% sure it's  
lead-based paint.  I personally love Hardi-plank, which we had on our  
former house.  As far as energy efficiency, savings, etc. is the  
metal siding hurting us, or perhaps even helping (by reflecting some  
heat)?  I have no clue what it would cost to re-side a house of this  
size (1550 SF, one story) in the Hardi-planks.

Comments, recommendations would be appreciated!

bobbi c.
http://twosisters1930cottage.blogspot.com