Why do dark roof surfaces increase air conditioning load?

Dark roof surfaces increase air conditioning load primarily because they absorb more solar radiation. When sunlight hits a dark surface, a significant portion of that energy is trapped and converted into heat. This heat then raises the temperature of the building's interior, causing the air conditioning system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. As a result, the energy consumption of the air conditioning system increases, leading to higher operational costs.

Dark roofs are less effective at reflecting sunlight compared to lighter-colored options, which aids in reducing the heat absorbed by the building. Therefore, the choice of a dark roof has direct implications for energy efficiency, particularly in warmer climates where cooling demands are higher.