If you’ve been facing rising utility bills in recent months, your roof may be responsible. Over time, a roof can become less energy efficient, which can force your furnace and air conditioner to work harder. That can translate to higher heating and cooling costs. Replacing your roof with one that’s built with more energy-efficient materials and methods can save you money on your monthly utility bills.
How an Inefficient Roof Can Impact Your Energy Costs
Over time, your roof’s shingles and other components can wear out or get damaged by exposure to the elements. That can lead to air leakage, which can make your home cold in the winter and force your furnace to work harder than it should. During the summer, your house can become hot, and your air conditioner may struggle to keep it cool. Replacing the roof can alleviate those problems.
Features to Consider When Choosing a New Roof
Selecting the right roofing material is important. Materials vary in terms of energy efficiency, and some are more appropriate for certain climates than others. Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice, but you have several other options, including wood, metal, and slate.
Shingle color is another key factor to consider. Darker-colored shingles absorb more heat than lighter-colored ones. Roofing shingles that absorb heat can warm a house naturally via sunlight, which means less reliance on the furnace and lower energy bills. Darker shingles are a good choice for Connecticut, which has cold winters.
Proper roof ventilation is critical. A roof that is poorly ventilated doesn’t allow for adequate airflow between the interior and exterior. That can make the attic unbearably hot in the summer and can result in high bills for air conditioning. In the winter, poor ventilation can lead to ice dams. Heat in the attic can warm the roof and cause snow to melt. When water flows to colder areas near the edges of the roof, it can refreeze and form ice dams, which can damage the roof and other parts of the house.
Get an Estimate for Roof Replacement
If your utility bills have gone up and you aren’t sure why, it may be because your roof is inefficient. If so, replacing it can lead to a substantial reduction in your heating and cooling costs. The amount you save can quickly pay for the cost of the roof, and you’ll continue to reap the benefits for years to come.
JS and R Roofing can replace the roof on your Connecticut home with one made from energy-efficient materials that will help keep your utility bills down. Contact us today to discuss your options and to get a quote for a new roof.
