Saving Money – Go Green

What are the Benefits of a Cool Roof?

There are numerous benefits in having a cool roof:

• Increase ecological sustainability factor, or make your house “greener” by:
  • Reducing your utility bills associated with air conditioning
  • Increasing occupant comfort and avoid installing an air conditioner where there isn’t already one
  • Decreasing the size and prolong the life of your air conditioning system
  • Lowering roof maintenance costs and extend roof life, avoiding reroofing costs and reducing solid waste
• Assist your home in meeting building codes
• Mitigate your community’s Urban Heat Island Effect
• Maintain aesthetics with a roof that performs and looks good
• Receive utility rebates (in some locations)
• Indirect benefits

In a nut shell, a cool roof can significantly reduce your cooling energy costs and increase your comfort level by reducing temperature fluctuations inside your home.  Average energy savings range from 7%-15% of total cooling costs.

When people think about making their home more “green” or ecologically sustainable, cool roofing isn’t always the first thing to come to mind.  However, certain green building programs, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED, give credit for installing a cool roof.  So if you are trying to save energy or make your home more environmentally-friendly, a cool roof is one way to achieve that goal.

Determining if You Qualify for a Cool Roof Rebate

Different locations across the country provide rebates for installing cool roofs.  See if your area offers a rebate!  The CRRC’s list of rebate programs is not exhaustive, so please check with your local utility company as well.