When you see your energy bills going up and notice your home isn’t as cool as it should be, your first thought maybe that something is wrong with your AC. While this may be the case, there is an unknown culprit to decreasing your HVAC’s efficiency: your roof. Issues with your roof can greatly affect your AC unit. Today, we’ll cover a few ways your roof can affect your AC’s energy efficiency.
Color & Heat Absorption
Darker colors, such as black, gray, or brown, absorb a lot more heat than lighter colors. Even though these darker shades are a popular choice for asphalt shingles on roofs, the increased heat absorption can put a strain on your air conditioning unit.
As the darkly colored shingles absorb heat from the Florida sun, the heat has nowhere to go but into your attic or home. This excess heat causes your AC to run constantly in an attempt to keep your living space cool, lowering your air conditioning efficiency and raising your energy bill. Installing a metal roof or choosing shingles with a .85 emittance rate or better can help keep your roof from bringing heat into your home.
Roof Ventilation
Ventilation is vital for your roof’s health. It allows for fresh air to enter your attic and cools it down. Either due to age or damage, your roof’s ventilation system can deteriorate and become less effective—trapping the hot air in your attic and turning it into an oven.
Not only can this cause damage to your roof by baking your shingles, but it also means this heat will push into your home, making your AC work overtime. If you notice a sudden increase in your AC’s activity but your home still doesn’t seem to be cool, your roof’s ventilation may be to blame.
Insulation
If ventilation allows for hot air to escape, insulation keeps your desired temperature in. Insulation will keep cool air in during the summer and warm air in the winter. Proper insulation helps you save on AC bills since your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to create cool air. On the other hand, if your roof doesn’t have insulation or if the insulation is damaged, you may notice an increase in your electric bills and a decrease in your air conditioning efficiency.
HVAC Duct Location
Many times, air ducts will be in attics in Florida homes. Most of the time, this will cause no issues and can be convenient for aesthetic reasons—keeping parts of your HVAC system out of sight. However, if you’re having trouble with your roof’s insulation or ventilation, the hot air from your attic can get into your ducts’ airflow and push that hot air into your home. This causes your HVAC’s efficiency to plummet as it’s warming your home rather than cooling it. Having regular duct cleanings and investing in a radiant barrier can help keep your ducts running properly and your home cool.
Condition of Roof
A leaking roof can cause a lot of issues for your home, but you may not know that a leak in your roof can also impact your AC’s energy. A leaky roof allows for water and moisture to get into your attic. If your ducts are in your roof or attic, this moisture can lead to growth, which can restrict the airflow and lower your air quality. Also, if you have insulation in your attic and it gets wet from a leak, it will lose its ability to keep your roof well insulated.
Keeping Your AC Running Efficiently with Comfort Temp
We may not be roofers, but here at Comfort Temp, we’re the experts in HVAC systems. Whether you need a repair, are considering a new HVAC system, need to clean your ducts, or want insulation installed, Comfort Temp has got you covered. We understand the importance of HVAC energy efficiency, and we want to help you keep your home cool and energy efficient. Call us today for all your HVAC needs!
