How Awning Outdoor Fabrics Can Help You Save Big on Energy Costs

Did you know that awnings provide more than just shade? Awnings can actually cut your energy bill down and save you hundreds of dollars. In fact, a study conducted by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association indicated that awnings can save homeowners up to $200 annually in energy costs.

Awnings shade your building from sunlight and reduce solar heat gain. Remember, solar heat gain is the amount of heat your home receives from sunlight. It’s like your home is an oven, the sun is the heat source; if you can’t control the source, your house may get very hot.

According to some sources, using awnings can greatly reduce the amount of heat a building receives from direct sunlight, and this translates into your air conditioning working less to cool your home or office. A high-quality awning can reduce solar heat gain between 72-77% for windows or glass doors facing west. That’s a significant decrease in heat and ultimately, a drop in your energy costs!

Simply put, the awning reduces the temperature in your building which means your A/C unit doesn’t have to be turned on for as long. For example, if you’re home is 85 degrees without an awning, your A/C unit may have to be on for an hour to reduce the temperature to 74 degrees. However, with an awning reducing solar heat gain, your home may be at 80 degrees instead, thus your A/C unit doesn’t have to work as hard to reduce the temperature. You basically cut down the amount of time your air conditioner is on and ultimately your power bill.

Awnings can be designed with specialty fabrics that are developed with UV ray resistance and the ability to block out the sunlight. Finding the right textile supplier for an outside awning project requires some research. Remember, not all fabrics are created equally. If the fabric falls apart easily, doesn’t hold up to UV Ray degradation, or doesn’t have a warranty, you might want to reconsider the textile you’re using.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using opaque and tightly woven textiles help reflect more sunlight which reduces solar heat gain. This is why it’s important to use high quality awning fabrics. The textile of an awning not only provides shade, but reduces solar heat gain. This simple fact is what makes energy savings possible.

You rely on your awning for protection from the elements and aesthetic purposes, but damaging effects of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter weather can wreak havoc on your investment. Download our free guide to learn more about keeping your awning intact, all year long.