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Older homes in Raleigh, NC, hold a lot of charm—from their character-rich architecture to solid construction you just don’t see anymore. But as beautiful as they are, they often come with a downside: poor energy efficiency. If your home was built decades ago, chances are it’s leaking heat in the winter and soaking it up in the summer. Fortunately, there’s a surprisingly simple and affordable fix that doesn’t involve tearing down walls or replacing all your windows—energy-efficient painting. At Dixie Paint, Inc., we help homeowners modernize their homes through professional painting solutions that don’t just look good but also work harder.
Energy-efficient painting refers to the use of specially formulated coatings that reduce thermal exchange. These paints either reflect heat away from the home or help retain warmth, depending on the product and placement. While traditionally associated with aesthetics and weather protection, paint now plays a more active role in home performance. For homeowners in Raleigh dealing with intense summer sun and cold winter spells, the right paint can act as a barrier against energy loss.
The advantages go beyond surface-level beauty:
This makes energy-efficient painting one of the most practical updates for owners of older homes.
One of the most exciting developments is cool paint technology—formulas designed to reflect solar infrared radiation. These products use specialized pigments that bounce sunlight away from surfaces. Used on roofs, siding, or even interior walls near windows, cool paints significantly reduce indoor temperatures. According to multiple building efficiency studies, some cool paints can reduce surface temperatures by up to 20°F on hot days. That translates to major HVAC savings during Raleigh’s sweltering summers and makes them an essential component of any energy-efficient painting strategy.
Another advanced category includes paints infused with phase-change materials (PCMs). These materials store heat when temperatures rise and release it as temps drop—like a thermal battery. Although still emerging, these technologies are proving especially effective in homes with inconsistent insulation, which is common in older structures throughout North Carolina. For example, applying thermo-regulating coatings to attic ceilings or west-facing walls can drastically improve evening comfort without altering the home’s appearance.
Did you know your paint color can influence your energy bill? Light-colored paints with a high Light Reflectance Value (LRV) reflect more sunlight than darker ones. Choosing a pale shade for your exterior walls and roof areas can help keep your home cooler in summer. This is especially important in Raleigh, where sun exposure is high for much of the year. At Dixie Paint, Inc., we guide homeowners toward color choices that support both their aesthetic goals and energy-saving ambitions. The right color selection also complements other energy-efficient painting products, maximizing performance.
Older homes also tend to have poor indoor ventilation, which makes indoor air quality a concern. That’s why low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints are an important part of any energy-efficient painting plan. These products emit fewer harmful chemicals, making them healthier for children, pets, and those with allergies. We also recommend green-certified paints that use sustainable ingredients and reduce environmental impact while still offering high durability and coverage.
Before any paint goes on, proper preparation is vital—especially with older homes. Cracks, peeling finishes, and wood rot are common in historic Raleigh properties. These flaws not only undermine visual appeal but also reduce a home’s thermal integrity. Our team at Dixie Paint, Inc. takes the time to seal, sand, and prime every surface for optimal performance. In some cases, we also recommend minor insulation fixes behind siding or in attics to amplify the benefits of reflective coatings.
While DIY projects can be fun, energy-efficient painting is not where you want to cut corners. These paints require precise thickness levels, application techniques, and compatibility checks with primers and existing surfaces. A professional team ensures:
Dixie Paint, Inc. has years of experience with homes across Raleigh, understanding how local climate affects application and performance.
Even modest improvements in a home’s ability to retain or deflect heat can lead to noticeable drops in energy consumption. For example, a home that reduces attic temperature by 10–15°F could cut cooling costs by as much as 20%. Over time, the savings can more than pay for the upgrade. We’ve seen homeowners in Raleigh save hundreds of dollars each year after a full repaint with reflective coatings. Energy-efficient painting makes these results achievable without major renovations.
In a time when every action counts toward reducing climate impact, switching to sustainable paint products is a small step with a big ripple effect. Using long-lasting, durable finishes means fewer resources spent on repaints. And by lowering energy usage, you’re cutting emissions from power plants. Dixie Paint, Inc. partners with eco-conscious brands to ensure your home improvements support long-term environmental goals. As a bonus, energy-efficient painting enhances your home’s resale value and sustainability rating.
One of our clients in Raleigh’s historic Mordecai neighborhood owned a 1930s brick bungalow with high summer energy bills. After applying cool roof paint and a light-reflective exterior coating, their summer cooling costs dropped by 22%. Another family in North Hills repainted their entire interior with low-VOC radiant barrier paint and saw more stable indoor temps—especially in rooms that previously overheated. These real-world applications show that energy-efficient painting delivers both immediate comfort and long-term savings.
“We didn’t realize paint could make such a big difference. The house feels more comfortable year-round now,” one customer shared after their repaint. Industry experts agree: energy-efficient painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to boost energy performance, especially for historic homes where structural changes are limited or cost-prohibitive.
If you own an older home in Raleigh, NC, and you’re looking to improve comfort while reducing your carbon footprint and utility bills, energy-efficient painting is a no-brainer. With modern paint technologies and the expertise of Dixie Paint, Inc., you can preserve your home’s unique look while enhancing its performance. Reach out today for a free consultation and discover how smart paint choices can deliver long-term value.
Let’s turn your vision into reality. Get started on your painting and home improvement project by requesting a quote from our expert team. Your dream space is just a click away.
Dixie Paint Inc is a professional painting company in operation for 40+ years serving the Triangle. We take great pride in our work always going "above and beyond" to make our clients happy. We have a "white glove" approach to your job and cleaning up so you can't even tell we were there. We use high quality paints, caulks and sealers to make your project last. We also provide rotted wood repair and power washing services! Give us a call!
