According to the Professional Awning Manufacturers
Association, awnings can reduce air conditioning costs
by as much as 25%.
According to the American Society of Heating
and Air Conditioning, fabric awnings can reduce
interior heat gain up to 77%.
A 2007 study conducted by the Center for
Sustainable Building Research at the University
of Minnesota concluded that “awnings result in
cooling energy savings by reducing direct solar
gain through windows. The study compared the
energy efficiency of homes with awnings and
homes without awnings in 12 cities across the
United States.
In cooler climates, the study revealed that homes
with window awnings saved an average of 23%
on cooling energy costs per year. |
In warmer climates, the study showed that homes
with window awnings saved an average of 14-20%
on cooling energy costs per year.
The study also revealed that homeowners with
retractable awnings achieve the lowest energy use
by retracting the awnings in winter months and
extending them during warmer months.
According to the Department of Energy
publication, Cooling Your Home, awnings block up
to 90% of solar heat that is absorbed through
windows.
Awnings block the energy of the sun before it is
allowed to pass through the window and get
trapped in the home or building.
Retractable Awnings are classified as “solar energy
savings devices and can not be denied approval on
a home according to the Department of Energy. |
