Beat the Heat and Beat Rising Energy Bills: Why Cool Roofing Systems Are Your Best Defense Against 2024’s Soaring Energy Costs

Los Angeles County homeowners are facing an unprecedented energy crisis in 2024. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved an 11% rate increase for PGE in 2024, with electricity costs from 2013 to 2024 far exceeding the expected 3% annual rise. On average, SDGE’s rates soared by 9% every year, followed by PGE at 7% and SCE at 6%. With Los Angeles area households paying an average of 28.6 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity in December 2024, it’s clear that homeowners need immediate solutions to combat these skyrocketing costs.

The good news? Cool roofing systems offer one of the most effective ways to slash your energy bills while protecting your home from California’s intense heat. As energy costs continue their relentless climb, investing in a cool roof isn’t just smart—it’s essential for your financial future.

The Energy Cost Crisis Hitting LA County Hard

While California has been successful in keeping electric bills lower than many other states on average thanks to decades of work advancing energy efficiency standards, Californians have seen their electric bills rising in recent years. A major driver has been critical utility wildfire mitigation efforts that have accelerated to match the pace of the climate crisis, as well as several programs added over time. In 2024, the difference between California electricity rates and the national average reached over 80%.

For the average homeowner, these increases translate to real financial pain. For the average PG&E customer, these increases will look like approximately $32.50 in additional fees attached to their monthly utility expenses — a cost that totals around $400 annually. When you’re already struggling with California’s high cost of living, every dollar counts.

Cool Roofing: Your Secret Weapon Against Energy Costs

A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight than a conventional roof, absorbing less solar energy. This lowers the temperature of the building just as wearing light-colored clothing keeps you cool on a sunny day. Conventional roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more on a sunny summer afternoon. Under the same conditions a reflective roof could stay more than 50°F (28 °C) cooler. This can save energy and money in buildings with air conditioning, or improve comfort and safety in buildings without air conditioning, by reducing heat flow from the roof into the occupied space.

The energy savings potential is remarkable. Homeowners frequently report energy savings of 25% to 35% with metal roofs. If you pay $125 per month in utility bills, 25% to 35% of energy costs can add up to savings of over $500 per year. Research confirms these benefits: Energy demand was shown to be reduced by 16.6%, 14.0%, and 7.6%, when cool roofs, green roofs and solar panel roofs are deployed, respectively.

Types of Cool Roofing Systems That Deliver Results

Several cool roofing options can transform your home’s energy efficiency:

• Metal Roofing: When it comes to energy efficiency, metal roofs have to come first. Materials like aluminum, steel, and copper naturally reflect the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by your home.
• Cool Roof Coatings: Reflective roof coatings or paints are a cost-effective way to transform your existing roof into a cool roof. These specialized paints are formulated to reflect a significant portion of the sun’s rays, which can lower your home’s interior temperature by up to 10 degrees.
• Cool Asphalt Shingles: One of the latest innovations is cool roof shingles coated with pigments that reflect sunlight, preventing heat absorption. This can slash cooling costs by up to 15% in the hot Mississippi summers.
• Clay and Concrete Tiles: Clay and concrete tiles have natural insulating properties and are available in lighter colors, which helps with heat reflection. Additionally, their air-channel design facilitates better airflow, promoting temperature regulation.

Financial Incentives Make Cool Roofing Even More Attractive

The federal government recognizes the importance of energy-efficient roofing. For the years 2023 and 2024, homeowners who opt for qualified energy-efficient roofing systems can avail themselves of substantial tax benefits. The tax credit is exclusive to “Energy Star” certified roofing products, which significantly reduce the home’s heat gain, thereby cutting cooling costs. Homeowners can claim a tax credit amounting to 30% of the roofing material cost, with a cap of $1200.

Some utilities offer rebates or other incentives for the purchase of ENERGY STAR-qualified products. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to see if your local utility offers these incentives.

Why Choose Royal Roofing for Your Cool Roof Installation

When it comes to implementing a cool roofing solution that will deliver maximum energy savings, choosing the right contractor is crucial. Royal Roofing brings nearly 50 years of experience to Los Angeles County homeowners, with specializing in roof repairs, maintenance, restoration, re-roofing, and more, serving commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties with solutions that are built to last. By treating every client like family and consistently delivering superior quality and service, they strive to become your local roofing contractor for life.

As a Los Angeles based local roofer, they are proud to serve all of Southern California including Beverly Hills, Orange County, San Fernando Valley, Long Beach and San Pedro, and the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Their commitment to quality is evident in their approach: After decades in business, their values haven’t changed. They still—and always will—believe in doing the job right and standing behind their work.

For homeowners seeking a trusted Roofing Contractor LA County, CA, Royal Roofing’s track record speaks for itself. Steve Pinkus, President and CEO of Royal Roofing since 1995, brings nearly four decades of hands-on experience to the company. With more than $75 million in roofing, restoration, and repair sales, he leads with a deep commitment to quality construction and total customer satisfaction. Earning and keeping the trust of his clients, colleagues, and team has always been his top priority.

The Time to Act Is Now

With energy costs showing no signs of slowing their upward trajectory and California’s commitment to electrification putting additional strain on the grid, cool roofing systems represent a smart, long-term investment for LA County homeowners. Reflective roofs have been shown to decrease the roof surface temperature by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, thus reducing cooling energy needs and improving overall energy efficiency.

The combination of immediate energy savings, federal tax credits, potential utility rebates, and long-term protection against rising energy costs makes cool roofing one of the most financially sound home improvements you can make in 2024. Don’t let another sweltering summer drain your bank account—invest in a cool roofing system and start saving from day one.

Contact Royal Roofing today to learn how a cool roof can transform your home’s energy efficiency and provide lasting relief from California’s soaring energy costs. Your wallet—and your comfort—will thank you.