The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that air conditioners account for roughly 6% of the average household’s energy use and cost U.S. homeowners more than $11 billion each year. With summer in full swing, it’s more important than ever to know how to curb your energy consumption while staying cool.
Switching to high-efficiency air conditioning units can go a long way toward reducing your cooling costs. So can cleaning or replacing your filters regularly. But one of the smartest ways to save energy in summer is to mitigate your home’s heat load, or the amount of heat that enters in the first place.
Awnings Reduce Heat Gain by Up to 77%
Heat gain through your windows is responsible for almost a fifth of the load on your air conditioner. If you can control direct solar heat gain, you can control your energy bills. That’s why the DOE strongly recommends the use of window treatments.
Awnings top the list of window treatments when it comes to blocking the sun’s rays. Fabric awnings can curb solar heat gain by up to 65% when installed on south-facing windows and up to 77% when installed on west-facing windows. This means savings of up to a quarter of your summer cooling costs!
Benefits for the Community
Awnings can potentially save homeowners $200 or more per year, according to the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). But there are benefits to installing them beyond those that can be felt in individual homes.
The more awnings there are in your community, the lower your total energy consumption. This reduces your network peak demand, which results in even lower electricity bills across the board.
Awnings aren’t just useful in summer, either. Gutter Helmet®, the leading name in American gutter guards, also manufactures SunShade retractable patio awnings. Our awnings can be extended to block out the sun in summer or retracted in winter for maximum energy savings year-round.
Why Choose SunShade Awnings?
Like our best-selling gutter covers, SunShade awnings are custom-built to the highest U.S. specifications. They are precision-engineered to deliver the best in form and function and to withstand the elements for years. SunShade features include:
- Corrosion-resistant, powder-coated stainless steel frame.
- Corrosion-resistant, PVC-covered arm cables.
- Stress-resistant fabric roller tube.
- Adjustable tilt.
- 100% solution-dyed, UV-resistant, weatherproof acrylic fabrics – warranted for 10 years against fading and workmanship.
- Valances and bindings to match.
- Available in manual and motorized options.
- Wireless motor – connects to standard electrical outlet
- Switch or remote control operation
- Manual gears with automatic stop
With SunShade, you don’t just save energy and money. You also get more out of your outdoor space, preserve your view and add value to your home.
Stay cool next summer with SunShade awnings by Gutter Helmet®, America’s #1 expert in gutter covers. Call (800) 824-3772 to get in touch with a dealer near you and request a free estimate on our retractable patio awnings, gutter guards and other services today!
