(WARNING: Commercial ad incoming) –”If you are looking for a way to enhance your home’s ventilation AND save money AND still be friendly to the environment, why not try installing awnings? They protect you from the sun and rain and they cost less rather than spending on that beautiful patio you’ve been dreaming about!

Honestly, it’s annoying to see ads like these wherever you go. But I grew curious of what an awning could do (not from this particular ad, mind you).  So I did some research and dissected what the fuss about such a product is all about and found some noteworthy benefits. Here’s how you can do away with the hard sell and actually use the product to your (and see its) advantage:

Protection.  Instead of using the usual canvas used in traditional awnings, make sure to look for solution-dyed acrylics and acrylic-coated polyester-cotton blended fabrics as they are actually stronger and more durable. Since acrylics are woven (rather than painted on the surface of the fabric), they give greater durability as well as filter light passing through while keeping the heat out. Also, they have a UV inhibitor that reduces sunlight damage. This way, you get to enjoy the sunlight without absorbing its harmful effects. It can also be wise to install awnings above your doors so they can be protected from moisture during rainy season.

Enhanced ventilation. Okay, you might be thinking, “how can something as simple as that enhance our home’s ventilation?” Here are some facts: awnings directly block sunlight and, when properly installed, can reduce heat gain as much as 65 percent (southern windows) and 77 percent (eastern windows)! Choose light-coloured awnings, as they help reduce heat by reflecting sunlight (as opposed to dark-coloured ones, which absorb sunlight), giving out a cooling effect.

Cost-effective. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the primary source of heat build-up in homes is sunlight absorbed by roof, walls, and windows. Heat-generating appliances and air leakage only comes secondary. From this, you’d know the wiser thing to do is to get to the root of the “problem.” By installing window or roof awnings, you get to the heart of the situation, since they directly block the sunlight your windows or walls would’ve otherwise absorbed. After all, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 25% of your heating bill can be caused by windows. Not only that, but due to awnings’ enhanced ventilation, air conditioning systems don’t get worked up as much, resulting to about 25 percent cost-savings when cooling a building. Specifically, homeowners like you can save as much as $200 per annum by reducing load on air conditioners (still depending on the home’s location). This is according to an energy study funded by The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA).

“For example, the study showed that awnings on a home with single- or double-glazed windows in Pittsburgh, Pa., can reduce cooling energy 46 to 50 percent in a hot year, compared to the same house without awnings. Correlating cost savings can range from $81 to $102. In a hot city like Phoenix, Ariz., the net savings was $193 in a typical year.”

Also, since awnings prevent water from seeping into cracks and windows, your interior furnishings are protected, which, in turn, become cost-effective in the long run.

Environment-friendly. Installing awnings is a non-mechanical way of controlling a house’s ventilation. When using retractable awnings, for example, you have the option to control how much sunlight or heat you’ll be getting. It’s also beneficial during winter in taking advantage of the heat gain. I’ve found this to be, without a doubt, more environment-friendly, as opposed to solely relying on a heater or air-conditioning unit to boost the ventilation system. They can also last ten to 15 years, so that’s something the environment can celebrate about!

Extra business boost. This is advantageous for businesses who both want to save on energy costs and attract customers. Due to the material of awnings, businessmen have been using them for decades as means to advertise their shops. Not only that, they are also used as means to “extend” dining space (which is a HUGE savings) while offering comfortable shade to customers and passersby. Just think, if it rains, where do you think possible consumers will run to?

Perks. Here is one advantage you might like: window awnings prevent television and computer glare! Sometimes you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy watching television with the clearest resolution (without any distraction coming from the sun, thank you very much). Plus, with its various designs and colors, it can be a great way to readily accentuate your home (and even lifestyle).

So there you have it! Have a beautiful mawning!