Awnings & Energy Savings

With rising energy costs and record heat, home and business owners are looking for ways to cool down and cut their air conditioning bills. An easy and decorative way to achieve energy savings is by installing an awning. In fact, awnings help reduce a home’s internal temperature and can potentially reduce the size of and mechanical wear on the home AC unit.

South and West facing windows get the most heat!

Awnings can reduce solar heat gain up to 65 % on south-facing windows and 77 % on west-facing windows according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In fact, fabric awnings and exterior shades can help reduce cooling costs by more than 50 %, according to a report by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). 

To view a summary of the report visit http://www.awninginfo.com/home_awning_save_energy.html.

Here’s a quick list of how awnings can help you save, according to the PAMA report.

• Homeowners can save up to $200 annually. 
• Awnings can also expand your living space. 
• Awnings help protect family, guests, and pets from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
• Awnings also offer great curb appeal and can be customized. That means you can customize your awning and install a retractable awning which you can retract in the winter and roll out during the summer. 

Exterior Drop Shades

Awnings Can Save You Money

If you do choose an awning remember to pick one that has an opaque and tightly woven fabric; a light-colored awning will reflect more sunlight, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

But, if you’re not interested in an awning you can also use exterior blinds and other window and door treatments to help reduce your energy costs. There are a variety of options you can choose from to help reduce solar heat gain including interior blinds, drapes, window shades, shutters, insulated panels and more.

For more information about awnings and other shade structures visit us at American Awning & Blind Co. and let us know how we can help you with you. Or contact us today at 800-654-5933. Or you can email us at info@americanawningabc.com.