Cool Climates
In some climates where there are more heating days than cooling days, white reflective roofs may not be effective in terms of energy efficiency or savings because the savings on cooling energy use can be outweighed by heating penalties during winter. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2003 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey, heating accounts for 36% of commercial buildings' annual energy consumption, while air conditioning only accounts for 8% in United States. However, according to the Cool Roofs Rating Council and other sources, "The roof is an insignificant source for heat gain in winter. While cool roof owners may pay slightly more to heat their homes, this amount is usually insignificant compared to the cooling energy savings during the summer". Energy calculators generally show a yearly net savings for dark-colored roof systems in cool climates. The energy trade-off is therefore not clear cut. Additionally, higher R values for insulating materials in the roof assembly and snow covering on roofs can lessen the impact of roof surface color.
Read more about this topic: Cool Roof
Famous quotes containing the words cool and/or climates:
“In my skull,
from which vision took flight,
will come wine
will pour song
of the cool night.”
—Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)
“All climates agree with brave Chanticleer. He is more indigenous even than the natives. His health is ever good, his lungs are sound, his spirits never flag.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)