Climate change is on everyone’s mind. The dire predictions for the future make it difficult to look at our houses and not try to come up with ways to reduce our carbon footprint. The good news is, there are lots of positive things you can do…
…but I bet there’s one angle you may not have considered.
Why not install a retractable awning, pergola or canopy this summer? Yes, you heard me. Installing a shade system is surprisingly affordable, simple and beneficial. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know just how valuable they can be.
I’m Dana Shaw and my company Breslow Home Design Center has been in business for the past 95 years. Awnings, pergolas, and canopies are one of our biggest sellers and they are the most impactful of all our offerings. I’m going to share all the benefits with you right now!
Energy Savings & A Reduced Carbon Footprint
Breslow Home Design Center is located in New Jersey and the summers get seriously HOT! Shade systems have their roots in Europe, but thankfully over the past few decades US companies have taken note and they’re increasingly being used in homes across the US. Sure they are beautiful to look at but they also offer so much more.
According to the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers, solar radiation accounts for approximately 20% of the energy your air conditioner uses. To give you a better idea of how this works, a fabric awning slashes heat gain by 55-65% on southern facing windows during peak hours and 72-77% for western facing windows.
Which means you can turn the dial down. The savings are good for your checkbook and your carbon footprint. The more shade systems we install, the less the power the grid needs to generate to cool homes.
The effect of awnings is cumulative. The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) estimates you’ll cut your bill by $200 per year or more. Shade systems last about 15 – 20 years, which means you’ll save more than $3,000!
But the value doesn’t end here.
Expand Your Living Space
A shade system allows you to extend your living space into the great outdoors. Typically when people need more room, they renovate their home. Construction costs tens of thousands of dollars and months of your time. A retractable awning offers you another room for more than half the year and will cost a fraction of you will spend on construction. My family has a system and it’s the best thing we’ve done. Entertaining, grilling and relaxing take on a whole new meaning. But the thing is outdoor time usually means increased exposure to harmful rays. Which brings me to the next perk…
Protect The Health of Your Family
Did you know skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and one in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime? Ouch. That’s why this is such an important issue to address. I’m happy to report retractable awnings, canopies and pergolas can help you protect your family.
We particularly love Sunbrella fabrics because of their innovative approach to this issue. In 2005 they were given the Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation. A series of tests revealed that their fabric blocks up to 98% of UV rays. NICE! With all of the upside connected to installing an awning, it’s hard to believe there is more – but there is!
Increased Your Home Value
Last but not least, installing an awning, pergola or canopy adds substantial value to your home. Sure you can renovate your kitchen or bathrooms, but this is much less expensive and will only take a couple of days to install. There’s nothing like showing your home to a potential buyer and watching their face glow when they see the backyard and all the possibilities.
As you can see shade systems are environmentally friendly and will positively impact your bottom line. You just can’t put a price tag on living the good life in your newly created outdoor space…
…not to mention the fact that you’re being a good global citizen but reducing your carbon footprint.
