Going Green For Earth Day: Tips On How To Green Your Home With Retractable Awnings
As Earth Day approaches, one of the most important spring and summertime energy efficiency efforts deal with lowering air conditioning use. A number of sources - the US government, utility companies, and the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association - have identified retractable awnings as an inexpensive and highly effective way of lowering cooling energy. RetractableAwnings.com gives 5 tips for using retractable awnings to reduce air conditioning use: choosing retractable awnings, using awnings in any climate (even cold areas), using with regular glass windows, using motors, and selecting light-colored fabrics.
(PRWEB) April 5, 2008 -- With the approach of Earth Day next month and the arrival of spring, energy efficiency efforts focus on controlling air conditioning use. Earth Day (US government) Earth Day Network, and Earth911, along with utility companies, have recommended retractable awnings as a simple yet effective way to reduce air conditioning use. As part of the energy efficiency awareness encouraged by Earth Day, RetractableAwnings.com is supplying five quick tips on how to maximize the energy efficiency possible from awnings.
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) published a ground-breaking study last year on the affect that awnings (exterior shade) has over energy use:
| | - Reduces interior heat buildup between 65% and 77%
- Cuts air conditioning use by a national overage of 25%
- Lowers energy bills an average of $100 per year
|
Retractable awnings can be a highly effective, yet relatively inexpensive, way to comfortably reduce air conditioning use. "Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment," commented Eric Scop V.P. Sales & Internet Marketing for Retractableawnings.com. "[By promoting energy efficiency, retractable awnings and retractable patio cover systems are a step in that direction."
RetractableAwnings.com has five tips that maximize energy efficiency through simple sun protection systems:
Tip 1: Retractable awnings maximize energy savings. Fixed awnings can actually cost you money by increasing winter heating costs. Retractable awnings cut air conditioning use, then retract the awning in fall and winter so heating use is unaffected.
Tip 2: Every climate realizes energy savings. Even cooler climates save energy with awnings; Seattle, for example, cut cooling energy consumption as much as 69% and Boston by 33% (while Phoenix cut energy use about 26%). This means that regardless of climate, retractable awnings can moderate indoor temperatures and cut energy use.
Tip 3: Retractable awnings are great for regular-glass windows.
According to the PAMA study, using awnings to cut solar heat gains has the biggest effect on windows with regular glass. Installing retractable awnings is an efficient and low-impact solution for homeowners who don't want to replace all of their windows with low solar-gain glass but still want to control solar heat and damaging UV rays.
Tip 4: Use a motor. According to a study, motorized retractable awnings are used 4 times more often than manual retractable awnings and are significantly easier to use than fixed awnings which have to be detached seasonally.
Tip 5: Select light-colored fabrics. Light color fabrics reflect sunlight better than dark ones, so lighter-colored awning fabric is even more effective in preventing solar heating indoors.
Retractable awnings have a number of factors that increase their energy efficiency with minimal effort: fabric selection, projection (how far out it extends), the pitch (angle of shade), and accessories like sun sensors and motors. RetractableAwnings.com makes it easier for you to experiment with these factors with our online 3D-Rendering Tool: with a simple picture of your home or building, you can draft and save different awning styles, sizes, and fabrics, and then get a free estimate based on your specific designs.
Retractableawnings.com has been shipping all types of RETRACTABLE sun, wind and rain protection systems to residential, commercial and institutional customers worldwide since 1998. Products manufactured include but are not limited to retractable lateral arm awnings, retractable window awnings, retractable vertical drop awnings, retractable telescoping awnings, retractable patio cover systems, retractable canopy awnings and retractable side arm awnings. All products are available with wind, rain, motion and sun sensors. For more information, call 305-628-2424 or 1-866-GET AWNINGS (1-866-438-2964) or visit www.retractableawnings.com.
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