Awnings can
reduce a home's internal temperature by 8° to 15° F (5°C - 8°C)
Solar radiation through glass
is responsible for approximately 20% of the load on a residential air conditioner.
On a hot day, more energy
is lost through one square foot of glass than through an entire insulated wall.
A fabric awning reduced heat gain by 55% to 65% during the period
of the day when the sun shines directly on southern facing windows, and 72% to 77% for western exposures.
* Study by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and
Air Conditioning Engineers