Awnings: Timeless Green Lessons
In this day and age of Green, Green, Green, new technology increasingly has an impact on our ability to conserve and lessen our carbon footprint with the buildings we build and maintain. However, technology doesn’t have to be new to have a beneficial impact on your lifestyle or your pocket book.
Well placed awnings can help reduce energy costs by as much as twenty-five percent. It seems when a new technology is introduced, there is often an infatuation period—and for good reason in many cases. But, when it comes to conservation, no one idea or product alone will produce the complete desired results. Each idea is generally a piece of a larger conservation strategy - John Gallagher, Owner Gallagher Tent & Awnings.
The Results Are In
“Awnings help reduce overall energy consumption,” says Gallagher. “Common sense tells us that. We are all familiar with shade and how good it feels on a hot sunny day. But now, given the focus on conservation, green building and reducing expenses, there is an entirely new way to look at established products. Awnings are one of them.”
According to the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning, fabric awnings can reduce heat gain up to 77%. “The significant thing with this figure is the organization publishing this number is from the very group that can benefit from heat gain. They represent the businesses that manufacture and sell Air Conditioning. As a result, I tend to believe it is accurate,” Gallagher states.
They are not the only group providing information about the heat management capabilities of awnings:
♦ According to the Department of Energy publication, “COOLING YOUR HOME,”—awnings block up to 90% of solar heat that is absorbed through windows
♦ Professional Awning Manufacturers Association—awnings can reduce air conditioning costs up to 25%
♦ 2007 study conducted by The Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota concluded --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 and found:
• 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 homeowners with retractable awnings achieve the lowest energy use by retracting the awnings in winter months and extending them during warmer months
In addition to this good news, awnings are low tech and are easy to use to their fullest impact. Retractable awnings have never been easier to use and they can be installed with manual or automated mechanisms.
In addition to saving energy costs, there are also a few basic benefits awnings have always provided, such as:
• Blocking the sun and glare
• Keeping your view instead of shutting draperies
• Protecting your furnishings from fading
• Retracting on cloudy days so you can let in what light there is
‘Sunlight Management’
“The right types of awnings allow you to manage the sunlight in and around your home,” Gallagher says. “They can improve your lifestyle and give you added access to parts of your home that are uncomfortable if hit by direct sunlight. It really is sunlight management and it can have a positive impact on your home, your enjoyment and your energy costs.
