The benefits of awnings go far beyond aesthetic appeal. Awnings can enhance the look of an ordinary home or business by adding shape, dimension and color. They offer energy saving benefits as well as protecting furniture, floors and carpets from fading caused by harsh sunrays.
Your can actually feel the energy saving benefits. In a typical home, more energy is lost through glass doors and windows than through any other construction element. In fact, on a hot day, more energy comes through one square foot of glass than through an entire insulated wall. Solar radiation through glass is responsible for approximately 20 percent of the load on an air conditioner. Window films and lightly tinted glass effectively reduce heat gain, as well as glare. Properly designed awnings accomplish the same purpose and substantially increase energy saved over the film and tinted glass alternatives. Studies by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers show that during the period of the day when the sun shines directly on southern facing windows, a fabric awning reduces heat gain by 55 to 65 percent. For western exposure, the reduction in heat gain is 72 to 77 percent.
If you are considering an addition to your home, a canopy over your deck or a patio offers a long-term solution to needed space at a lower cost. Your deck will be shaded from the hot sunrays as well as provide outdoor protection for your entire family during a rainy day.
You will want to consider all angles when selecting awnings for a home or business. Style, venting and color selection all effect the energy saving performance of the awning.
Style
It’s important to select a style that will accommodate how much the sun penetrates the windows. For northern and southern exposure, sides may need to be added to the awnings for additional protection. For eastern and western facing windows, less protection is necessary. Seasons will also make a difference. In order to take advantage of the sun’s warmth, some awnings are designed to roll up and out of the way. Further, frames can be designed to accommodate casement windows.
Venting
The awning design creates more air circulation to dissipate heat build-up. Select a shape that best suits the windows being protected, as well as the orientation of the windows.
Color
Color choice and types of material are important energy-saving considerations. Awnings with low solar-absorbing surfaces (white) maintain temperatures closer to the outdoor air temperature. As a result, air temperature under the awnings isn’t raised appreciably. Awnings that absorb solar radiation (dark colors) may need to be vented to reduce radiation and heat build-up underneath the awning.
Information from the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association International (PAMA) 1801 Country Rd. BW, Roseville, MN 55113, 651-222-2508, fax 651-631-9334
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