How Shingle Color Impacts Your Energy Bills in Summer
07/23/2025
Many homeowners notice their energy bills start to climb during the summer. The one – often overlooked – culprit, is your roof color. The shingles you choose for your home impact both heat absorption, attic temperatures, and ultimately, how hard your AC works.
Let’s read about how shingle color affects energy efficiency, compare different shingle types, and even introduce how solar shingles could be what you need for your home.
Shingle Colors Matter
Think of your roof like a giant sponge for sunlight. Dark colors absorb more light and convert it into heat, while lighter colors reflect more sunlight and stay cooler.
| Shingle Color | Heat Absorption | Surface Temp. Difference | Impact on Energy Use |
| Black / Dark Grey | Very High | +50 to 60°F hotter | Higher cooling costs |
| Medium Grey | Moderate | +30 to 40°F hotter | Slightly higher bills |
| Light Grey / White | Low | +10 to 20°F hotter | Lower cooling bills |
| Cool Roof Shingles | Very Low | Minimal temperature increase | Energy-efficient |
Heat Transfer & Your Energy Bill
- Dark-colored shingles absorb solar heat and transfer it to your attic.
- That heat gets trapped, raising your attic temperature by 20 to 30°F or more.
- Your HVAC system kicks into overdrive to keep your indoor space cool.
- The result is higher energy bills every summer.
Cool Roof Shingles are Designed for Summer
Cool roof shingles are a great option for New Jersey homeowners looking to cut down on energy bills. These shingles are specially coated with reflective granules that bounce sunlight away, rather than absorb it.
| Shingle Type | Color Options | Reflective Coating | Energy Efficiency | Best For |
| Asphalt (Dark) | Black, Grey | No | Low | Budget-conscious homeowners |
| Asphalt (Light) | Beige, White | No | Medium | Moderate climates |
| Cool Roof Asphalt | Light Colors | Yes | High | Warm climates like NJ |
| Metal Roofing | Light / Reflective | Yes | Very High | Modern energy-conscious homes |
| Solar Shingles | Dark | N/A (generates power) | Extreme (net positive) | Green homeowners |
The Future of Smart Roofing
If you’re really serious about cutting energy costs and living sustainably, solar shingles are worth a look.
These innovative shingles generate electricity from sunlight, reducing your reliance on the grid. While they come in darker shades (necessary for absorption), the tradeoff is direct energy production.
- Are eligible for federal and state tax incentives
- Help reduce or eliminate your monthly electric bill
- Have a sleek and modern design
- Increase home resale value
New Jersey Homes Need Smart Shingle Choices
In New Jersey, summer temperatures often reach the high 80s and 90s, and the humidity can be truly overbearing. Homes with dark shingles can trap heat and push HVAC systems to their limit. Over time, this not only increases your utility bill but can also shorten the lifespan of your roof.
Light-colored shingles, cool roof technology, or solar shingles can save you hundreds in energy costs over the years while keeping your home more comfortable.
Smart Roofing = Lower Bills, Made Possible with Fortified Roofing
Your shingle color isn’t just a design decision, it’s an energy decision. If your current roof is making your home hotter and your bills higher, it’s time to upgrade.
Fortified Roofing specializes in energy-efficient roofing solutions for New Jersey homeowners.
Contact us today for a FREE roofing consultation. Serving Cherry Hill, Toms River, Farmingdale, and all surrounding NJ communities.
