Commercial awning energy savings come from shade. An awning blocks direct sun before it reaches the glass, so less heat enters the building and the air conditioning runs less. Because the windows stay uncovered, you still get natural daylight inside.
If you run a business, you want to keep costs down and create an atmosphere where customers feel relaxed and want to stay. An awning helps with both.
How Commercial Awning Energy Savings Work
In the summer, sunlight beating in through the windows can make a building’s interior uncomfortably hot. Many businesses end up running the air conditioner most of the day just to keep up.
A commercial awning is a simple way to provide shade, reduce the amount of solar heat that enters and keep the interior at a moderate temperature. It works passively, with no power and nothing to switch on.
Where to Install for the Biggest Effect
Awnings make the most difference on the side of the building that sees the most harsh sunlight. If you install one there, you can rely less on the AC and reduce your summer cooling bills. Those savings continue year after year.
Depending on your building, one awning over the main windows may be enough, or it may make sense to cover several windows and doors.
Shade Without Losing Natural Light
Natural light makes a space feel calm and welcoming, which is good for both employees and customers. The usual ways of fighting summer heat, such as closing blinds or covering windows, block that light and leave you paying for electric lighting instead.
An awning lets you have both. It can be positioned to stop the direct, overhead sun that causes heat gain while still letting daylight in. Your business stays bright and cheerful without the heat that would force you to turn up the AC.
More Benefits for Your Business
Comfort for Customers and Staff
An awning shields people from sun, rain and snow at the entrance and provides shade for outdoor areas. A more comfortable property is one where people are willing to spend more time.
Branding and Curb Appeal
An awning can also be an excellent branding tool. It can carry your business name and logo, along with your website and phone number, so people who pass by without time to stop can contact you later. A bold, attractive design improves curb appeal and helps your location stand out. Our post on how commercial awnings can elevate your business goes into more detail.
Options for Different Buildings
Awnings are available in retractable and stationary styles, with or without custom graphics, for doors, windows, patios and balconies. For a larger outdoor seating or waiting area, aluminum and fabric patio covers are another way to add shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do commercial awnings really lower cooling costs?
Shading windows reduces the amount of heat from the sun that enters a building, so the air conditioning does not have to work as hard. The effect is greatest on windows that get strong direct sunlight.
Will an awning make my business darker inside?
It should not. An awning blocks direct sun at the window while still letting daylight in, unlike blinds or window coverings that shut the light out.
Which windows should get an awning first?
Start with the side of the building that receives the most harsh sunlight during business hours.
Request an Estimate
Aladdin Inc, a family-owned company in Wallingford, installs awnings for businesses across Connecticut. We can install one or more awnings over your doors and windows, depending on your needs and preferences. Contact us or call (203) 776-9996 to learn more or to request an estimate.