In insulation finishes, what do light colors do to heat?

• A. Light colors reflect heat, Dark colors absorb
• B. Dark colors reflect heat, Light colors absorb
• C. Light colors absorb heat, Dark colors reflect
• D. Colors have no effect on heat

Answer: (A)

Color influences how much solar heat a surface will absorb or reflect. Light colors have higher reflectivity (albedo), so they bounce more of the incoming solar radiation away, keeping the surface cooler. Dark colors absorb more radiation, turning it into heat, which makes the surface and interior warmer. In insulation finishes, using light colors reduces heat gain and helps with cooling, while dark colors increase heat gain. So light colors reflect heat and dark colors absorb it.