Posted June 3, 2025 | Anderson Roofing
If your summer energy bills are climbing higher than your thermostat, your roof might be partly to blame—and not because it’s leaking. Many homeowners don’t realize that something as simple as shingle color can affect how hard your air conditioner has to work. That’s right: the color of your roof plays a direct role in how much heat your home absorbs during the summer months.
While most people choose roof colors based on appearance or to match their siding, the color you pick can make a noticeable difference in your home’s comfort and cooling costs. It might seem minor, but over time, this decision could either add to or ease the strain on your HVAC system—and your wallet.
Let’s break down how roof color affects heat absorption, what that means for your energy use, and how you can make smarter choices for your next roof in the future.
It all comes down to how different colors interact with sunlight. Just like wearing a black T-shirt on a hot day makes you feel warmer than wearing a white one, your roof reacts similarly.
A dark roof can reach temperatures of 150°F or higher in direct sun. That heat radiates downward, warming the attic and causing your air conditioner to work harder to keep living spaces cool. On the other hand, lighter roofs can stay 30 to 50 degrees cooler under the same conditions.
When your roof holds onto heat, your attic becomes a kind of oven. That trapped warmth doesn’t just stay put—it seeps into the rooms below, raising the overall indoor temperature. This triggers your air conditioner to run longer and more frequently to maintain your desired temperature.
More AC use means more electricity, and more electricity means higher bills.
The difference in monthly cooling costs in a home with a light-colored roof and one with a dark-colored roof might not seem dramatic, but it does add up. Switching to a lighter-colored roof can lead to measurable savings over time, especially in warmer climates or areas that experience long, hot summers.
While color plays a significant role, it’s part of a bigger picture. The material of your shingles, your home’s ventilation, and insulation levels all contribute to how well your home handles heat. But color is one of the easiest things to change when it’s time for a roof replacement, and it often gets overlooked.
Some roofing materials are now designed with built-in reflective technology. These products reflect more solar radiation regardless of their color. Still, a lighter shade typically enhances those benefits even further.
If you live in a place where summer heat is a major concern for most of the year, a light-colored roof can be a smart move. In contrast, if your winters are long and harsh and you want your home to retain more warmth, a darker roof might help.
That said, reducing cooling costs tends to take priority in regions like ours, where summers can get very humid and very hot.
Of course, color is only one factor when choosing new shingles. Home design, resale value, HOA restrictions, and roofing material availability all have a place in your decision. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Think about it this way—your roof covers a massive surface area. It’s hit with direct sunlight all day long. If that surface pulls in heat and holds onto it, your home ends up fighting an uphill battle to stay cool.
Lighter-colored shingles can help ease that pressure. They’re especially effective if you’re already looking at a roof replacement and want to make a smart upgrade that keeps your home more comfortable in the summer.
Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice style for performance with many of today’s roofing options. Many manufacturers offer a wide range of light-toned shingles in attractive colors that will look great with your home’s exterior. Whether you’re going for a modern, classic, or rustic look, a light roof will likely work with your aesthetic.
If your home feels like a furnace every July and August, it may be time to think beyond your thermostat. The roof over your head could be contributing more to your discomfort than you realize.
When you’re ready to explore energy-smart roofing options, Anderson Roofing is here to help. Our team can walk you through the best shingle choices for your home, climate, and energy goals. We’ll help you find a solution that works—and looks great.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a new roof this year, contact Anderson Roofing. A new roof can help keep your home cooler, more comfortable, and more efficient this summer.
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If your summer energy bills are climbing higher than your thermostat, your roof might be partly to blame—and not because it’s leaking. Many homeowners don’t realize that something as simple as shingle color can affect how hard your air conditioner has to work. That’s right: the color of your roof plays a direct role in […]