Superior Awning - Energy Saving Information

Energy Saving Information

According to the California Energy Commission, shading your home with awnings can reduce the temperature indoors by as much as 20 degrees, making them more effective than all other window shading solutions because they block sunlight before it reaches the windows. For more information, contact the CEC:

Studies conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers confirm that awnings reduce heat gain by 55-65% on a southern exposure and 72-77% on a western exposure. For more information, contact ASHRAE:

Energy Efficiency Division
1516 9th Street, MS-25
Sacramento, CA 95814-5512
www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency

The Center fpr Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota recently completed an in-depth study of awnings entitled Awnings in Residential Buildings: The Impact on Energy Use and Peak Demand, stating in its summary conclusions "Awnings have advantages that contribute to more sustainable buildings... awnings result in cooling energy savings by reducing direct solar gain through windows." Read the entire report by visiting the CSBR:

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation, has added awnings to its list of tips to assist utility customers in reducing their energy use. Cool your home, cut your utility bills and reduce your own carbon footprint with these energy-efficient measures provided by PG&E:

Pacific Gas and Electric
Customer Service Questions
1-800-PGE-5000
www.pge.com

Awnings have been increasingly recognized by governmental, educational, utility and trade organizations as highly cost-effective tools for reducing energy consumption and expenditures. The consensus is that windows, even coated and double-paned windows, are the leading source of solar heat gain, accounting for nearly 50% of the heat that enters a building structure. The best way to cool your home is by blocking the rays of the sun from your home's exterior, especially glass surfaces. Shading windows and walls with exterior awnings is the most effective way to reduce direct, indirect and radiant solar heat gain. The following organizations can provide additional details:

Thus, research shows and experts agree that energy conservation, comfort and utility bill savings are among the most important reasons to purchase awnings. Savings on air conditioning alone, over time, can typically be expected to exceed the purchase cost of your awnings (return time depending on window type, exposure, window-to-wall-space ratio, thermostat setting and air-conditioning equipment efficiency.) Without question, using awnings to shade your home's windows and patios will result in a cooler home and reduced energy expense.