With the continually growing focus on energy efficiency, businesses across the country are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact and save on their utility costs. Commercial retractable awnings are a simple way to help cool your business and naturally reduce internal temperatures by 8 to 15 degrees.
Understanding Solar Heat Gain
Solar heat gain is the term used to describe the UV rays that pass through windows, doors, and skylights and have a heating effect on the interior of a building. As the building heats up, the air conditioning units must work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. While newer windows can help to reduce that heating effect to a degree, exterior awnings can have a major impact. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that “window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows.” And this is accomplished without damaging your view out the windows from inside.
Reducing Energy Costs
Commercial retractable awnings help to reduce energy costs while also adding to the aesthetics of a building. When partnered with the shading effect of an awning, air conditioning units run more efficiently because they have to work less. It’s common to reduce your air conditioner’s energy usage by 25% just by adding awning and shade covering to windows.
Indirect Savings
Protecting your outdoor assets, including patio furniture, and indoor assets, including artwork and furniture, from exposure to direct sunlight will help prevent fading and will give them a much longer lifespan. Also, commercial-grade awnings are designed to be incredibly durable, so you won’t worry about adding any of its elements to the landfill any time soon.
Are Retractable Fabric Roof Structures Right for Your Commercial Property?
At Retractable Structures (a division of Eide Industries, Inc.), we specialize in designing, manufacturing, and engineering commercial retractable structures and awnings. With almost 80 years of extensive design, construction, metal fabrication, industrial sewing, and installation experience, we are proud to offer the highest quality custom and pre-engineered products possible, made right here in the U.S.