Eco-friendly awnings earn the label because they reduce the energy a home uses. By shading windows and outdoor areas, an awning cuts summer heat gain, lowers the load on the air conditioner and protects furnishings from sun damage, all without using any power itself.
Awnings can be installed on virtually any home and customized with a variety of fabrics, colors and styles. Here are the ways they help you lower your environmental impact.
How Eco-Friendly Awnings Save Energy
Less Heat Gain in Summer
Sunlight coming through the windows can make a home’s interior very hot in the summer. If you install awnings over windows on the sides of the house that get a lot of direct sun, you can significantly reduce that heat gain. You will not have to rely on the air conditioner as much, and you will use less electricity.
Fixed window awnings and door canopies do this job at individual openings, while a larger awning can shade a whole wall of glass along a deck or patio.
Natural Warmth in Winter
In the colder months, sunshine is welcome. A retractable awning can be rolled back so the sun shines in through the windows and helps warm the house naturally. Letting the sun do part of the work means you can rely a little less on the furnace and use less fuel.
Other Ways an Awning Reduces Your Footprint
It Protects Your Belongings From Sun Damage
Sunlight can cause hardwood flooring, furniture, carpets and artwork to gradually fade or change color. When that happens, they may need to be replaced, and manufacturing and shipping new goods uses fuel and resources.
An awning shields the contents of your home from direct sun. Making what you own last longer saves money and limits your carbon footprint.
It Adds Usable Space Without Construction
For many homeowners, there never seems to be enough space. An awning over a deck or patio creates an outdoor “room” where you can relax with family and friends. It is a much simpler project than building an addition, and it has a much smaller impact on the environment.
It Can Keep a Parked Vehicle Cooler
A vehicle parked in the sun gets extremely hot on a summer day, and it takes a lot of air conditioning to bring it back to a comfortable temperature. If you can park in an area shaded by an awning, the car starts out cooler and the air conditioner has less work to do.
A Quality Awning Lasts
A product built with cheap materials usually has to be replaced before long. One built with quality materials will most likely last much longer. Since manufacturing and transportation both affect the environment, buying a durable, well-constructed awning is the greener choice.
Getting the Most From Your Awning
Placement matters. Awnings do the most good on windows and doors that receive strong direct sunlight, so start with the sunniest side of the house.
Fabric color also plays a part. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight. With a retractable awning, get in the habit of extending it on hot days and retracting it when you want the sun’s warmth.
Request a Quote for an Awning
Aladdin Inc sells retractable awnings that can be customized to suit each customer’s needs and preferences, with over 150 weatherproof fabrics to choose from. To learn more or to get an estimate for an awning for your Connecticut home, contact us or call (203) 776-9996.