How Does the Color of a House Affect the Temperature Inside of It?

Light color typically reflects more heat from the sun.

The color of a house can affect the temperature inside it, according to the Federal Citizen Information Center. Dark colors absorb more heat or radiant energy from the sun and light colors reflect more.

Conduction

According to the Federal Citizen Information Center, dark and dull house colors absorb 70 to 90 percent of radiant energy from exposure to sunlight. The exterior surfaces then conduct some of the resulting heat into the home. In contrast, light colored exteriors reflect away most of the heat, resulting in less buildup of heat inside.

Walls and Roofs

While the color of exterior walls does affect interior temperature, approximately one-third of interior heat gain results from the roof, even when white asphalt and fiberglass are used. Applying a reflective coating or radiant barrier to the roof can reduce heat gain.

Coatings

White latex can be applied to tar paper, metal, asphalt and fiberglass roofs. Another reflective coating consisting of asphalt, aluminum and glass is effective on many asphalt and metal roofs. Another alternative is to use a radiant barrier consisting of aluminum foil backed with paper. Installing the barrier on the underside of the roof can lower heat gain by about 25 percent.

References

• Federal Citizen Information Center: Cooling Your Home Naturally