Insights from People Who Know Awnings.

"Awnings can directly affect energy use by simply blocking the sun. heat gain through windows is one of the main reasons why buildings need air conditioners... In some climates you can save 20 to 25% of your cooling energy just by using awnings."

"In most homes, more cooling energy is lost through glass doors and windows than any other part of the house. In fact, heat gain through windows can account for 20 percent of the total load on a home air conditioning system. Awnings are an effective way to reduce heat gain and, therefore, reduce cooling energy demand in households. This benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the homeowner by saving money on energy bills.”

A conversation Ed Hunzinger, Master Fabric Craftsman and co-owner of Evanston Awning had with long-time customers , Marc and Barbara Neurman, onfirmed what the Neuermans had suspected all along – awnings reduce the amount of sunlight that enters windows during the hot summer weather, thereby reducing the load on the air conditioner and the home’s overall energy consumption. 

Intrigued by the home cooling and energy-efficiency benefits outlined by Hunzinger, the Neuermans researched awnings further and discovered a recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research and commissioned by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association. Awnings in Residential Buildings: The Impact of Energy Use and Peak Demand provided data on the energy savings in several U.S. cities, including St. Louis – a climate similar to that of Evanston.

“With the energy study data, they were able to calculate the potential for substantial savings on air conditioning costs — up to 20-25 percent — if the Neurmans installed awnings on the south side of their house as well.”

“We were in the house when they were being installed, and we could literally feel the inside temperature drop as the awnings were being put into place. The difference is incredible! We are no longer slaves to the air conditioner."