Energy Star Asphalt Shingles

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Energy Star Asphalt Shingles – If you’ve been researching roof replacements, you’ve probably seen references to Energy Star asphalt shingles. For years, that blue label helped homeowners spot shingles that reflected more sunlight and stayed cooler than standard dark roofs. But the landscape has changed: the U.S. EPA sunset the Energy Star roof-product specification on June 1, 2022, so there are no Energy Star–certified roofing products today.

What hasn’t changed is the value of a cool roof—and asphalt shingles can still be engineered to run cooler and help trim summertime AC demand. This guide explains what the Energy Star label on shingles used to mean, what replaced it, and exactly how to shop for high-performance “cool” asphalt shingles now.

The quick take

  • There is no current Energy Star certification for roofing (including asphalt shingles). The EPA ended the program for roof products effective June 1, 2022; manufacturers were required to stop using the Energy Star mark for roofing after that date.

  • “Cool” shingles still exist and can lower roof temperatures and reduce peak cooling demand by double-digit percentages in many climates, even without the Energy Star label. Look for tested solar reflectance and SRI ratings, ideally listed in the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) directory.

  • Federal tax credits changed under recent legislation: roofs no longer qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) for 2023–2032, although other envelope upgrades do. (Solar-electric roofing products are a different category.)

What “Energy Star asphalt shingles” used to mean

Historically, asphalt shingles qualified for Energy Star if they met solar reflectance thresholds designed for steep-slope roofs (typical residential pitches). Under the final specification, initial solar reflectance had to be ≥ 0.25 and aged (3-year) reflectance ≥ 0.15. Low-slope roofs (mostly commercial) had higher targets. The spec also relied on CRRC test methods and weathering criteria to verify performance.

Those thresholds mattered because solar reflectance (how much sunlight a roof bounces back) and thermal emittance (how efficiently it sheds heat) drive a roof’s operating temperature. Higher reflectance + high emittance generally equals a cooler roof. (You’ll also see SRI—Solar Reflectance Index, a combined metric many codes reference.)

The 2022 sunset: Why there’s no Energy Star label for shingles anymore

The EPA formally ended its roof-product specification effective June 1, 2022. Certification bodies were told to stop certifying new roof products by June 1, 2021, and brands had to stop using the mark on or after June 1, 2022. The agency pointed to robust commercial standards elsewhere and the challenge of applying a single consumer label to the complex, climate-dependent performance of residential roofs.

What that means for you:

  • You won’t find legitimate, current Energy Star–certified shingles on shelves. (Some legacy packaging or webpages may still mention Energy Star historically, but the label is no longer valid for roofing.)

  • Instead of chasing a logo, evaluate the product’s measured reflectance/SRI ratings and whether the shingle appears in the CRRC Roof Directory, which lists tested values from accredited labs.

Cool roofs 101 (in plain English)

  • Solar Reflectance (SR): The fraction of sunlight reflected. A value of 0.25 means 25% of sunlight is reflected. Higher is cooler.

  • Thermal Emittance (TE): How well the surface re-radiates absorbed heat. Higher is better for cooling.

  • Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): A single score derived from SR and TE that approximates how hot a roof gets in the sun relative to standard black or white surfaces. Higher SRI = cooler roof.

The EPA and DOE note that cool roofs can lower building temps and energy use, and in air-conditioned homes, solar-reflective roofs can cut peak cooling demand by roughly 11–27% (actual savings depend on climate, roof assembly, and attic ventilation).

Key nuance: In cold climates, reflecting winter sun can slightly increase heating demand, but research and agency guidance generally find the net effect is positive for most U.S. cities—especially where summers are hot and homes are air-conditioned.

How “cool” asphalt shingles are engineered

Standard asphalt shingles use mineral granules that are often dark and highly absorptive. Cool asphalt shingles use specially coated (“cool”) granules that reflect more infrared (IR) light—even in medium or lighter colors—so the roof stays cooler than a conventional dark roof. Manufacturers publish initial and aged reflectance values; you can verify many of these numbers in the CRRC directory.

Shopping in 2025: A step-by-step checklist

  1. Ignore the Energy Star logo for roofing. It no longer applies after June 1, 2022.

  2. Ask for the numbers. Request the initial and aged SR and SRI for the exact shingle color you’re considering. Aged values matter more for long-term performance. (Aged SR around 0.15–0.20+ on steep-slope asphalt is often considered “cool” relative to conventional dark shingles, though targets vary by code.)

  3. Check the CRRC Roof Directory. Search the product to confirm third-party tested reflectance/emittance and compare colors across brands.Match to your climate & codes. In hot, sunny regions, higher SR/SRI has outsized benefit. Some jurisdictions (e.g., parts of California) set minimums for residential roofs; your contractor should know local requirements. (Use reflectance/SRI data to demonstrate compliance.)

  4. Evaluate the whole roof system. A cool shingle performs best with proper attic insulation, balanced intake/exhaust ventilation, and airtight ceilings. Without those, savings and comfort gains shrink.

  5. Ask about color trade-offs. Lighter hues usually test higher for SR/SRI; if your HOA mandates darker colors, seek “cool” darks engineered with reflective granules. Verify the tested numbers rather than relying on color names.

Do cool asphalt shingles really save money?

They can, especially in hot-summer climates with significant AC use. The EPA reports peak cooling demand reductions of roughly 11–27% for air-conditioned residences with reflective roofs. Your actual bill savings depend on: roof area and orientation, shading, attic ventilation and insulation, HVAC efficiency, electricity rates, and your chosen color’s tested SR/SRI.

Urban bonus: Widespread adoption of cool roofs helps mitigate urban heat islands, which can improve outdoor comfort and air quality across neighborhoods.

Cost and ROI: What to expect

“Cool” asphalt shingles are typically competitively priced with premium architectural shingles. The incremental material cost versus a non-cool counterpart is often modest, but the installed price depends on roof complexity, underlayments, ventilation upgrades, and local labor. Because savings hinge on climate and house specifics, the fastest paybacks are usually in hotter, sunnier regions with high summer electricity rates—and when the roof project includes attic air sealing and insulation improvements alongside the shingle upgrade. (Even though roofs aren’t in the federal 25C credit anymore, insulation and air sealing may qualify.)

Installation best practices for cool shingle performance

  • Ventilation: Ensure balanced intake (soffits) and exhaust (ridge or high gable) ventilation. This limits attic heat buildup—even with a cool shingle.

  • Insulation & air sealing: If you can access the attic, air-seal penetrations (can lights, chases) and top off insulation to the code-recommended R-value. This compounds the benefit of a cool roof.

  • Underlayment choice: In hotter zones, synthetic, high-temp underlayments maintain integrity under elevated temperatures—though cool roofs may lessen peak temperatures somewhat.

  • Color selection: If aesthetics or HOA rules point you toward darker shades, choose a “cool” dark color and verify its tested SR/SRI in the CRRC directory.

  • Flashing & details: Cooler roofs still demand meticulous valley, step, and chimney flashing and proper drip edge—energy benefits won’t matter if leaks shorten roof life.

Maintenance and longevity

Cool shingles don’t require exotic maintenance, but two points help preserve performance:

  1. Keep gutters and roof surfaces clear so debris doesn’t hold moisture or accelerate biological growth.

  2. Avoid harsh pressure-washing that can strip reflective granules. If algae is a concern, look for shingles with algae-resistant technology and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance.

How cool shingles compare with other “cool” roofing options

  • Metal roofs: Factory-coated metal panels can achieve higher reflectance/SRI than most asphalt colors and shed heat quickly. They often cost more upfront but are extremely durable. (Note: Any federal credits you might see online typically relate to solar installations or non-roof envelope upgrades today.)

  • Coatings (low-slope): Effective for certain roof types (primarily commercial or porch/low-slope areas). Residential steep-slope asphalt roofs are generally not candidates for field-applied reflective coatings.

Rebates, incentives, and the tax-credit reality in 2025

  • Federal (U.S.) 25C credit (2023–2032): As updated, roofs are not eligible. The credit now focuses on windows/doors/skylights, insulation/air-sealing (IECC compliant), heat pumps, and similar equipment, with annual caps. Always check the latest IRS page for details; the guidance is updated periodically.

  • Solar roofing is different: Roofing products that generate electricity (e.g., some solar shingles/tiles) may fall under the Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D), but traditional roofing materials don’t.

  • State/utility rebates: Some state or local programs and utilities offer incentives for cool roofs or for comprehensive efficiency packages (insulation + HVAC upgrades). These vary widely, so check local listings and your utility’s programs.

Bottom line

While “Energy Star asphalt shingles” are now a legacy concept, the performance idea behind them absolutely lives on. If you want a cooler, more comfortable home and potentially lower summer bills, shop by measured performance—initial and aged solar reflectance and SRI—and verify those numbers in the CRRC directory. Combine your shingle choice with proper ventilation, attic air-sealing, and insulation, and you’ll capture most of the real-world benefits the old label signaled—without needing the label itself.