We’re betting energy savings isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind when you think “awning company.” But teaming up with the right awning company can not only help you directly reduce your energy expenses, you’ll benefit in a number of other ways as well.
Awnings cool your interior, and a cooler interior saves on energy.
Air conditioning bills can zoom out of control when it’s hot in the summer months. Studies conducted by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers have shown that awnings on south-facing windows reduce solar heat gain by 55%-65% during the period of direct sunlight, and a whopping 72%-77% on west-facing windows.
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association also conducted an exhaustive nationwide study of residential awnings, which showed that energy savings here in the New York area averaged 25% with fabric awnings in place.
Solar heat gain through glass accounts for about 20% of the total load on your air conditioning, so it’s easy to do the math and see how much you could save. Beyond lowering your energy bills, your air conditioning equipment will last longer, too, thanks to less wear and tear. Now you’re saving even more money.
A naturally cooler interior means employees will be less wilted (or shivering from the AC). They’ll be more productive because they’re more comfortable, compounding your energy savings benefits.
And shading your windows with an awning protects your investment in carpet, floors, furnishings and merchandise by virtually eliminating the sun’s ultraviolet light, which causes fading and deterioration. You won’t have to replace expensive interior items as often, and you won’t have to mark down or write off damaged merchandise.
An awning company can help you maximize your savings.
Awnings can also create cooler, more inviting outdoor areas – additional customer-friendly space to generate revenue during nice weather. Your awning company can show you how a single investment in a new awning allows you to increase your income year after year.
Size, style, venting, materials and color can all significantly affect the energy-saving performance of your awning. Pulling it all together properly can be complex, but an awning company can help you assemble the right components to create an ideal awning for your space and needs.
They’ll help you identify framing and design configurations and materials that offer the best shading for your windows but, at the same time, allow maximum light. That might include alternatives such as specialized fabrics, clear or translucent panels or louvers.
Or your awning company may recommend retractable awnings you can operate remotely from indoors. That can make upper story awnings more practical, if permanent installation isn’t an option or your preference.
And if you’re looking for LEED certification, an awning company can help you choose materials and design details to support that.
Your awning company may also recommend window treatments that save energy while promoting your business. High-tech materials create window films to cover the entire window or just a portion or roll-down blinds that are not only stylish but provide tantalizing marketing space. These products augment your awnings, with flexibility that allows you to change promotional messages or display them whenever you want.
An awning company will give you seasoned advice you can’t find anywhere else.
Nothing takes the place of field-tested knowledge and experience. A well-established local awning company has the inside information you need to make the best-looking, longest-lasting commercial awning decisions for your business, without wasting time or making mistakes that could cost you later on. That ensures you’ll get the strongest return on your investment, both financially and in terms of promoting and growing your business.
No business owner can afford to ignore opportunities to save money. And every business owner wants to find new opportunities to increase income. An awning company can help you do both, so you’ll be more profitable as well as more comfortable.
