Philadelphia installed white roofs on about 340 low-income seniors’ homes from 2001–2003; ceiling temperatures fell 4–5°F, and air-conditioning electricity use fell by 560 kWh per year

In Philadelphia, the initiative to paint roofs white resulted in a remarkable decrease in home temperatures and energy consumption. This cost-effective strategy lowered ceiling temperatures by several degrees Fahrenheit, significantly reducing annual air conditioning power usage for low-income seniors. Cool roofs serve as a simple yet effective solution to reflect sunlight, leading to affordable bills and positive climate impacts.