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An well-designed fabric awning or canopy impacts building energy use.
The benefits of fabric awnings go far beyond aesthetic appeal. They offer energy saving benefits as well as protecting furniture, floors and carpets from fading caused by harsh sunrays.
Your can actually feel the energy saving benefits. In a typical building, more energy is lost through glass doors and windows than through any other construction element. In fact, on a hot day, more energy comes through one square foot of glass than through an entire insulated wall. Solar radiation through glass is responsible for approximately 20 percent of the load on an air conditioner. Window films and lightly tinted glass effectively reduce heat gain, as well as glare. Properly designed awnings accomplish the same purpose and substantially increase energy saved over the film and tinted glass alternatives.
Studies by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers show that during the period of the day when the sun shines directly on southern facing windows, a fabric awning reduces heat gain by 55 to 65 percent. For western exposure, the reduction in heat gain is 72 to 77 percent.
You will want to consider all angles when selecting awnings for your business. Style, venting and color selection all effect the energy saving performance of the awning.
Style
It’s important to select a style that will accommodate how much the sun penetrates the windows. For southern and western exposure, sides may need to be added to the awnings for additional protection. For northern and eastern facing windows, less protection is necessary. Seasons will also make a difference. In order to take advantage of the sun’s warmth on cooler days, some awnings are designed to be retracted. Further, awning can be designed to accommodate the opening of casement windows.
Venting
The awning's design could create more air circulation to dissipate heat build-up. Select a shape that best suits the windows being protected as well as the orientation of the windows.
Color
Color choice and types of material are important energy-saving considerations. Awnings with low solar-absorbing surfaces (white) maintain temperatures closer to the outdoor air temperature. As a result, air temperature under the awnings isn’t raised appreciably. Awnings that absorb solar radiation (dark colors) may need to be vented to reduce radiation and heat build-up underneath the awning.
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FIND AN AWNING PRO NEAR YOU
A PAMA awning professional will be able to provide you with information about awnings and canopies that fit your lifestyle, home and budget.
In the U.S., enter your Zip Code here to find a Professional Awning Manufacturers Association
member in your area.
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