Did you know that your roof might be the reason you’re battling high energy bills? While roofing materials protect your home from the elements, they can affect the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Let’s take a look at how they do that.
Reflective Roofing
Modern roofs usually have reflectance levels of .25 or higher. That implies they reflect at least 25 percent of the solar energy that hits them away from the building. At this base reflectance level, the roof prevents the sun’s heat from entering your home and making your HVAC system work harder to cool your home. Also, when indoor temperatures in your home are consistent, your thermostat reads more accurately. As a result, it directs your heating and air conditioning system to operate more efficiently to reach your desired comfort level.
Some roofing materials reflect more sunlight than others. You can achieve greater reflectivity by applying a light colored paint to your roof. However, highly reflective roofing materials or highly reflective paints will achieve better results.
Emittance
Emittance also helps prevent heat transfer. Look for roofing materials that have an emittance value of at least .85, meaning they’ll release 85 percent or more of the heat they absorb.
Thermal Insulation
A poorly insulated roof will allow your home’s heat to escape during the winter. In the summer, it will allow attic heat to move to the rest of your house. Consequently, your heating and cooling system will work overtime. Adequate roof insulation will regulate the temperatures inside your home and minimize energy consumption.
Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation allows heat to sit in your attic. This can heat up your entire home and harm your HVAC unit’s efficiency as it works longer to offset the unwelcome heat gain. Attic vents increase airflow within the attic, dissipating the hot air.
Investing in energy efficient roofing materials will help you improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. For more tips on keeping your HVAC system running properly, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We’ve been helping our valued customers in the Dayton area with their home comfort and energy issues for three generations.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
