Best Exterior Home Colors for Energy Efficiency
When choosing exterior paint colors, most homeowners focus on the aesthetic appeal and if the desired design fits their budget.
When choosing exterior paint colors, most homeowners focus on the aesthetic appeal and if the desired design fits their budget. However, the house’s exterior color can do much more than make it look nice. It can also help homeowners control the temperature within the house, saving them money in the long run.
For these reasons, homeowners should consider how their desired color affects their home’s energy efficiency. So let’s discuss the most energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly color palette for a home.
How does the home’s exterior color affect its energy efficiency?
When picking clothes, most people know that dark colors feel warmer while lighter colors help maintain a cool temperature. The same concept applies to the house’s exterior color. Like clothes, the color determines how much of the sun’s radiant energy the house will absorb or reflect.
White or lighter colors can reflect the sun’s heat away from the house, while darker colors tend to absorb it, therefore taking in the warmth. So, the hue of the exterior color will determine how warm or cool the house stays. For example, in a study of roof colors, black was the most effective in reducing heating and cooling costs in hot climates.
A dark versus a light paint color
Considering the local weather conditions is crucial when determining a house’s best exterior color scheme.
Homeowners who live in a warmer climate where more sun hits their house should consider painting it a lighter color. This way, the exterior siding can reflect the heat and make it easier to keep the home cold.
In contrast, individuals living in a colder area should opt for a darker color palette. Darker paint can absorb up to 90 percent of the sun’s energy, making it an efficient way to trap heat. As a result, homeowners will save money on heating.
What colors are the safest options for energy efficiency?
Homeowners who don’t live in a polarized climate should consider the typical weather patterns of their area and try to accommodate them with the exterior color choice.
Houses in areas that experience all four seasons will benefit from a balanced color scheme. This scheme pairs a neutral color like white, beige, or light grey with darker accents. The neutrals will reflect the sun, while the darker accents absorb enough heat to save energy throughout the winter.
Homeowners can use accent colors on features like window frames, trim, shutters, and gutters. Besides achieving energy efficiency, this color combination can add character to a house.
Consult a professional
Homeowners should consult a professional when choosing exterior colors for their homes. These individuals can help homeowners determine if the selected colors complement each other and improve the house’s energy efficiency. After selecting the right color, a professional painter will get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Absolute A Painting Company is a full-service, custom painting service company in Norfolk, Virginia, offering creative and innovative solutions for your business. For fourteen years, we have delivered quality work with customer service and satisfaction is our top priority. Absolute A Painting Company is dedicated to excellent craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. We serve Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton Roads, Portsmouth, and surrounding cities. Call us today at (757)260-3556.
