Repainting Your Home? Color Choices Can Affect Energy Efficiency!

Did you know: dark colors absorb about 70-90% of the radiant energy. What does this mean for you as a homeowner? Dark rooms will stay warmer longer if you let sunshine in all day long, compared to lighter colors (light colors reflect heat). So, in terms of energy efficiency, it may be time to show a little angst in your color choices.

The Dark Side

Before you opt for darker colors, there are a couple of other factors to consider, too. Dark walls make rooms feel and look smaller, whereas lighter colored walls (especially beige and white) can help expand the feel of a room. If you already live in a space where you feel claustrophobic, steer clear of dark colors.

If you’re looking to sell your home soon or within the near future, dark walls can deter real estate agents and potential buyers (despite their energy efficiency). People are more apt to be interested in homes that are bright, open and inviting.

Most household paints are given a light reflectance value (LRV), that’s often printed on paint can labels and swatches. The higher the number, the more light the color can reflect.

A licensed HVAC technician isn’t likely to pick up a paintbrush and help you paint but he/she can be important when it comes to planning major home design updates. There are all kinds of changes to your home that can affect your HVAC performance. These are the types of things you want to be proactive about. If you have big changes planned for your home, make sure you keep your HVAC system in mind.