NEW YORK, Oct 2, (Agencies): Stanford engineers have introduced a new range of colorful paints designed to enhance energy efficiency in homes and buildings. These reflective paints come in various colors and are engineered to keep interiors cool during summer and warm in winter. Laboratory tests have demonstrated their potential to reduce heating needs by 36% and cut cooling energy consumption by 21%. Computer simulations further suggest that applying this paint to both roofs and walls of typical mid-rise apartment buildings could lead to annual energy savings of up to 7.4%.

The innovative paint employs a dual-layer technology, with the bottom layer containing aluminum flakes to reflect heat radiation and the top layer featuring color particles that provide the paint's hue while allowing some infrared radiation in. This dual functionality allows the paint to be applied both externally, to block heat during warm seasons, and internally, to retain warmth in colder months.

The color range includes white, blue, red, yellow, green, orange, purple, and dark gray paints, all of which have proven to be significantly more effective at reflecting infrared light compared to conventional paints. As heating and cooling account for approximately 13% of global energy use, these paints offer a promising solution to reduce energy consumption, particularly as temperatures rise due to climate change. These reflective paints can also find applications on vehicles such as trucks and trains, helping to keep them cool during hot weather.