25 Mar Paint Color and Saving Energy

On a hot summer day, would you rather sit inside of a white or a black car? …Probably a white one. This is because the sun’s rays are reflected by light colors…dark colors absorb the sun's rays making surfaces and spaces the color surrounds feel much warmer. Therefore, the color you decide to paint your home’s interior and exterior can have an effect on your energy consumption in terms of heating, cooling and need of artificial light. If the exterior of a home is lighter in color, the suns rays (heat) are reflected making the overall indoor temperature cooler than if the exterior was darker in color. So if you live in Austin, TX like I do and if you have a dark exterior paint color, you might find your home to be more comfortable during warmer months if it is painted a lighter color. This is true for roof color as well. When indoors, the sun reflects off of your walls, ceilings and floors. Surfaces that are light in color reflect the sun’s rays, which also means the space will seem much brighter, lessening your need for artificial light while reading and working inside during the day. This is true at night as well only the light from your lamps is reflected, not the sun's rays. If you have darker walls, you will need more light. Artificial lighting is estimated to account for up to 12% of our energy consumption. I don't know how much energy you would save by painting all of your walls light, but I know it would help. Also, To conserve energy and to maximize comfort, use exterior colors and materials appropriate for your climate…light for warm and dark for cold. By Sarah Stacey