Residential Canopies and Awnings Can Reduce Energy Use and Save Money

No one understands high energy bills like Arizona residents in the summer. When outside temperatures reach the triple digits, it is nearly impossible to live without air conditioning — leading to skyrocketed energy bills and tighter household budgets.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, 94 percent of households in Arizona use an air conditioning unit.
While you can’t avoid paying your energy bill, you can lower the cost by minimizing the UV rays that penetrate your home’s walls and windows. Residential awnings are an eco-friendly and energy-efficient addition to any home — plus they can greatly increase curb appeal.
How Can House Awnings Save You Money on Your Energy Bill?
The more sun your home is exposed to, the harder your air conditioner must work to keep the inside of your home cool. According to a recent study released by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), 20 percent of the load on your air conditioner is due to direct solar gain through windows.
When a fixed or retractable awning is positioned over a window or doorway, a Phoenix homeowner might see up to $200 in savings per year on their electric bill. Of course, exact savings will depend on things like the model of your air conditioning unit, window orientation, the type of window glass and more.
Strategically placed house awnings and canopies can have a direct impact on the amount of heat that can enter your home, saving you money on your energy bill.
What Types of House Awnings are Known to Reduce Energy Costs?
Compared to internal window treatments like curtains, blinds, shutters or drapes, external window treatments like awnings and canopies are more effective at preventing heat generation from the sun’s UV rays.
At Arizona Awnings, we are proud to offer a few types of residential window and patio treatments that are designed to withstand the desert’s harsh weather conditions.
- Retractable patio awnings are a great year-round shade solution for homeowners across the Valley. Motorized or manual models can be extended to block sunlight and securely retracted when not in use. Although they tend to be more costly compared to other types of awnings, they are an investment that can last for years — especially when you consider how easy it is to tuck them away in a storm or in the winter months.
- Fixed awnings are typically installed over a window or doorway using durable fabric that is stretched across a heavy metal frame. Most homeowners look to add fixed awnings to their south-facing or west-facing windows to keep the sun from beating down through the panes. Fixed awnings come in a variety of colors and styles and can be customized to fit the dimensions of your home. They are also a quick and attractive way to elevate your home’s curb appeal.
- Shade sails can be attached to your home and fixed to sturdy metal poles across your yard to provide soft, filtered light and a much cooler patio. A shade sail can provide consistent protection in a large outdoor space. Depending on the placement of your shade sail, it can even absorb some of the UV rays that enter through a nearby door or window.
Conserve Energy with Customized Awnings from Arizona Awnings
If you are tired of paying outrageous energy bills in the summer, consider investing in an eco-friendly shade solution like a retractable awning or window awning. At Arizona Awnings, we use quality materials and fabrics that are developed using UV-resistant and fade-proof technology.
Our awning experts have been installing residential and commercial awnings across the Valley for over 90 years. We pride ourselves on our superior customer service and decades of experience. Our team will work with you to design and install the awning that works best for you.
As you think about the type of awning you’d like for your home, view our collection of weather-resistant awning fabrics or browse our past work for inspiration.
To learn how Arizona Awnings can help you save money on your energy bill, give us a call at 602-252-3430 for a free estimate.