It’s time to raise the roof! Or, raise some concerns about your roof. Today we’re going to talk about how your roof impacts your HVAC system!
Your roof?
Yes, you read that correctly! There are probably a lot of factors in your home you consider when installing a new HVAC system, like the size of your home, your ductwork, and the climate you live in. So, you never probably thought to look UP, if you are mystified about the reason for high electricity bills! A bad roof can actually make your HVAC system’s job a lot harder. Let’s explain:
Roof color
First of all, when we say a “bad” roof, we’re not just talking about an uneven, patchy roof with holes … we’re also talking about the color and material of your roof. For example, you know that darker colors absorb heat. Let’s say the shingles on your roof are asphalt. Asphalt shingles absorb a lot of heat in the summer, and put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. So with that in mind, the best roof for your HVAC system is one that reflects heat instead of absorbing it — like a metal roof or a roof with reflective paint over it.
And if you’re thinking, “that’s not a big deal,” consider this statement from energy.gov: “Standard or dark roofs can reach temperatures of 150° F or more in the summer sun. A cool roof under the same conditions could stay more than 50° F cooler.”
So we’re NOT talking just a few degrees’ difference here, when it comes to saving energy and money!
Releasing heat
So, we’ve cleared up why you need a roof that reflects light instead of absorbing light. But it’s even better to buy roofing materials that are able to release heat that’s trapped in your attic. No matter how reflective your roof is, your attic is still going to take in quite a bit of heat. A re-emissive metal roof is able to release this heat and save you money on electric bills!
The roof cap is also an important part of heat release. If you’re not sure what a roof cap is, basically it’s the little vent that allows hot air to escape out the attic vent.
Ventilation
Speaking of ventilation, another reason it’s important to properly ventilate your attic is because a hot attic, where the heat just sits and sits with no escape, can actually overheat the shingles on your roof!
So you can see, the equation works both ways: you need a reflective heat-releasing roof, to protect your attic, and to have an officially running HVAC system. You also need proper attic ventilation so you don’t overheat your roof! A well-ventilated attic is just as important to your HVAC system as an efficient roof is. Ideally, you not only have vents at roof eaves, but also an attic fan to keep the air moving. We know all about proper ventilation for attics, and how to install it, so why not give us a call today for all of your ventilation needs?
Our goal is to help serve Hamel, Illinois and the surrounding areas. For service in just hours, call 618.217.1836 or contact us online.