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

Did you know that awnings offer more than just shade? Indeed, they can also lower your energy expenses and save you hundreds of dollars by protecting your building from sunlight and minimizing solar heat gain. Remember, solar heat gain refers to the heat your home absorbs from sunlight. Imagine your home as an oven, with the sun as the heat source; if you can't regulate the temperature, your house might become very hot.

In a 50-city survey by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, awnings are a “smart retrofit to reduce home energy consumption,” indicating that awnings could save homeowners up to $200 annually in energy costs. “For example, the study showed that awnings on a home with single- or double-glazed windows in Pittsburgh, PA can reduce cooling energy 46-50% in a hot year compared to the same house without awnings,” the PAMA study stated. “Correlating cost savings can range from $81 to $102. In a hot city like Phoenix, AZ, the net savings was $193 in a typical year.”

An awning helps lower the temperature inside your building, allowing your air conditioning unit to run for a shorter period. For instance, if your home reaches 85 degrees without an awning, your A/C might need to operate for an hour to bring it down to 74 degrees. With an awning reducing solar heat gain, your home might only reach 80 degrees, meaning your A/C doesn't have to work as hard to cool it down. This reduces the time your air conditioner is on and your energy bill. The study indicates that nearly 20 percent of an air conditioner's workload comes from sunlight entering through windows. Awnings help decrease this load by shielding windows from direct sunlight.

Awnings can cool up to 15 degrees and reduce solar heat gain by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows and 77 percent on west-facing windows. Also, many awning fabrics don’t trap heat and moisture. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, opaque and tightly woven textiles help reflect more sunlight, reducing solar heat gain. This is why it’s essential to use high-quality awning fabrics. An awning’s material provides shade and reduces solar heat gain, making energy savings possible.

Awnings not only reduce energy consumption, but they are also:

• Protect your family from ultraviolet rays.
• Expand your living space outdoors.
• Protect your interior furnishings from fading and damage.
• Protect from rain if you’re using a waterproof material.
• Add to the aesthetic of your home or business.

Awnings can be designed with specialty fabrics that resist harmful UV rays and effectively block sunlight, providing a dual layer of protection for your home or business. These fabrics are engineered to withstand the harsh effects of prolonged sun exposure, ensuring they maintain their integrity and appearance over time. However, finding the right textile supplier for an outdoor awning project requires careful research. It's important to remember that not all fabrics are created equal; the quality and durability of the material can vary significantly between suppliers. If the material you choose falls apart quickly, fails to withstand UV degradation, or lacks a comprehensive warranty, it may be wise to reconsider the textile you’re using. Investing in high-quality, durable fabrics can make a significant difference in the longevity and effectiveness of your awning, ultimately providing better protection and more substantial energy savings.

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