Trying to figure out a way to save energy, keep cool, and improve your home? Awnings may be the perfect solution for you. A stylish choice and easy to install, awnings have been providing coverage for windows and doors for hundreds of years.
Awnings not only offer some shade, but they also bring significant other benefits to your home. Let’s look at how.
Science Behind Awnings & Heat Reduction
It’s reported that about 30% of a home’s heat is lost through windows and 76% of sunlight that enters through double pane windows turns into heat. This means that at any point of the year, your interior temperatures can be poorly regulated and your energy bill can get expensive quickly.
On the other hand, statistics report that awnings and other window coverings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. They also work to block harmful UV rays, which can damage structures and furniture.
Lower Energy Costs with Awnings
Since awnings are built to extend past a window and provide shade, this helps to block a substantial amount of sunlight that can come through the windows. Especially during hot summers, it’s important to keep your house as cool as possible for maximum comfort and relaxation.
Window coverings, like awnings, can prevent your home from heating up from the sun and save energy. This in turn means you don’t need to use your air conditioning system as much, lowering energy bills. For a practical, convenient, and appealing option, awnings are a great solution.
So not only do awnings look stylish, but they can also help save energy.
Types of Awnings to Consider
When you are picking out the right kind of awning for your home, you should consider the style, function, and location to determine the right fit to suit your needs.
- Retractable Awnings – These coverings give you flexibility to choose whether you want them extended or not. This allows you the option of extending them when you want shade, and retracting them when you want to let in more light.
- Fixed Awnings – For windows that regularly let in unwanted light, fixed awnings provide a permanent solution that allows you to have consistent shade and light blockage.
- Window & Door Awnings – These are smaller coverings that are installed above certain doors and windows to block sun exposure and save energy.
- Freestanding Awnings – A good non-permanent solution, freestanding awnings aren’t attached to a building and are often used on patios or in backyards to provide shade.
Regardless of the kind of awning that you choose for your home, each offers unique benefits that can provide you with shade, privacy, light control, and UV ray protection.
Additional Benefits of Awnings
Though the main benefits of awnings help you save energy and block light, there are some other notable benefits to awnings that can improve the quality of your home.
- Protection From UV Rays – When furniture, flooring, and interior surfaces are exposed to UV rays too frequently, this can lead to fading, stains, and other damage. By reducing the amount of UV rays entering, you can preserve the look and quality of your home decor.
- Enhanced Outdoor Spaces – Although awnings can save energy for the interior of your home, they can also provide temperature regulation and comfort outdoors. Offering a nice shade covering over porches, decks, and backyards can create a nice environment for relaxing or hosting.
- Curb Appeal – Awnings can help create a polished, complete look for your home, framing the doors and windows and adding extra character. Whether you want a classy, sophisticated look, or something bold and whimsical, awnings are often customizable so you can find one to suit your taste.
Choosing the Right Awning for Your Home
Awnings help provide you with shade, save energy, look aesthetically pleasing, and are practical for preserving the look and feel of your home. Whether you are looking for a way to upgrade your house’s exterior or are looking for a practical way to improve your energy efficiency, awnings are a great solution.
If you are ready to add awnings to your home, reach out to Kool Breeze. We have a wide variety of window awnings, pergolas, patio coverings, and more so you can create a relaxing, cool environment for any part of your house. Contact us today!
