Hal Major © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
It doesn�t seem too many years ago that nearly every house had awnings over their windows. Air conditioning was a luxury and fans were the primary cooling system for the average family. The awnings provided shade from the hot summer sun and added color to the home. Then one day, bang, they started disappearing. The canvas would dry out and rip in the summer thunderstorms and replacements weren�t being installed. The homes lost some character and looked drab without those bright green, yellow, orange and red awnings. Fortunately awnings haven�t gone the way of the rotary dial telephone, although I don�t miss those at all. Awnings are coming back into style and for a few good reasons.
Energy Efficiency
The principal reason is energy savings on air conditioning. Window awnings can reduce the volume of radiant heat that penetrates a home through the windows. Studies by the University of Minnesota determined that installing window awnings can reduce cooling costs by 17% in St. Louis, 21% in Phoenix and a whopping 24% in Boston.
Even thought the largest percentage of savings is in northern areas, the actual biggest dollar savings is in the warmer climates of the south and southwest because the overall cooling costs are higher. The air conditioners run nearly year around in some areas.
The greatest benefit comes in late afternoon when the sun�s energy is at the highest point. If every home had awnings that would reduce their electricity demand from 17 to 24% it would take a strain off the utility companies. Reducing the demand during the peak hours could prevent brownouts and rolling blackouts.
Reduced Fading
The use of awnings reduces the amount of radiant heat energy that penetrates your house and they reduce the amount of harmful UV rays. The UV rays can fade the colors in you drapes, furniture and carpeting. In fact, nearly everything in your home can be damaged by the sunlight pouring unabated into the room.
The UV rays also damage the window frame and glazing materials. Awnings that enhance the beauty of your home are less expensive than new windows.
Water Damage
Everybody has been caught off guard by an unexpected summer thunderstorm. You leave a few windows open to let fresh air in while your at work or running errands. The sky was crystal blue when you left and the weather report said 0% chance of rain today. Oh yea, it poured while you were gone. You come home and find the carpet is soaking wet under the windows. The curtains look like you just took them out of the clothes washer. Awnings could have prevented that or at least reduced the amount of damage. I, for one, am glad to see awnings returning to favor. They�re energy efficient, protect household items from damaging sunlight and rain. And, they look darn good.
