Awnings are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to cool off your house during the summer without paying an exorbitant amount of energy for air conditioning. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can experience a 77 percent reduction of solar heat gain by simply putting an awning over every window that faces the west. South-facing windows should also be protected by an awning, and this can eliminate 65 percent of your home’s solar heat gain. Even if you can only afford to put one awning in place, the shade that it provides will help you stay cooler on a sunny day.
Many people erroneously believe that they have to use the services of a professional awning installer in order to protect their home from direct sunlight. Instead, you can follow a few simple steps to make your own awning. This will save you a lot of money, and it could also make it possible for even the most frugal minded individual to put an awning over every window.