Awnings can help cool your house by reducing the amount of heat that enters through sun-exposed windows. By shading the glass before direct sunlight reaches it, they can reduce the cooling load inside your home.
The potential benefit depends on the home and the windows you shade:
- Sun exposure: South- and west-facing windows usually get the most intense summer sun.
- Potential savings: Less solar heat entering through the glass may reduce how hard your air conditioner has to work, although the effect on your electric bill will vary.
- Hot rooms: If a room warms up whenever sunlight reaches the windows, exterior shade may make it more comfortable.
A Marygrove retractable awning lets you control when that shade is in place. Extend it during the strongest part of the day, then retract it when the sun moves away. You can reduce direct exposure without blocking natural light all day.
How Much Solar Heat Can an Awning Block?
A sunny window can raise the temperature in a room quickly. An awning blocks part of that sunlight before it reaches the glass. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, awnings can reduce summertime solar heat gain by up to 65% on south-facing windows and up to 77% on west-facing windows.
West-facing windows deserve particular attention during summer. They receive low-angle afternoon sunlight after the home has already absorbed heat throughout the day. Covering those windows can keep some of that additional warmth outside.
Solar Heat Gain Is Not the Same as Bill Savings
Energy-saving claims can be confusing. The 77% figure refers to the reduction in solar heat gain at a specific window, not to a 77% reduction in your total energy use. Your electric bill reflects energy consumption throughout your home.
Solar heat gain is the warmth that enters through sun-exposed glass. Your air conditioner also responds to heat from the roof, attic, walls, air leaks, appliances, and other parts of the home. Those sources all contribute to your total energy use, not just the sunlight entering through one window.
The most useful question is how much direct sunlight contributes to your home’s summer cooling demand.
A large sliding door that receives strong afternoon sun may offer more opportunity for improvement than a small window that already sits under a deep overhang.
Can an Awning Help With a Hot Upstairs Room?
An upstairs room may feel comfortable in the morning and become warm and stuffy later in the day. If the change occurs when direct sunlight reaches the windows, exterior shade can keep some of that heat from entering.
Sun exposure may not be the only cause. Poor attic ventilation, air leaks, insulation issues, and uneven airflow can also make an upstairs room uncomfortable. An awning is most useful when those exposed windows are clearly contributing to the problem.
To identify the likely source, pay attention to the room on a bright day. If it starts warming soon after sunlight reaches the glass, shading that window may be worth considering.
Do Awnings Save Energy?
On a hot afternoon, the effect can be easy to feel. Sunlight pours through the glass and the room starts warming. The air conditioner has to work harder to keep up. An awning interrupts that pattern by shading the window before the warmth gets inside.
If direct sun is making part of your home uncomfortably warm, schedule a free consultation with Marygrove to discuss your shading options.
David Tavidian
David Tavidian is the Vice President of Sales at Marygrove Awnings, leading a team of over 50 sales professionals across 22 states. His expertise in retractable awnings and shading solutions ensures homeowners and businesses receive high-quality, durable products tailored to their needs. When not helping customers find the perfect awning for their backyard application David enjoys spending time with his family, debating the finer aspects of life, creating art, and relaxing under a Marygrove awning during a light rain.
Favorite Marygrove Awning - Cafe Black with Bronze Frame.
