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"Awnings in Residential Buildings The Impact on Energy Use and Peak Demand" a study conducted by the Center for Sustainable Building Research, University of Minnesota finds that awnings over windows on residences can save energy costs throughout the year.
The study, funded by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, (PAMA) was conducted to determine if awnings are a viable means to reduce energy use and reduce air conditioner usage in the home. Most residential neighborhoods in the U.S. do not have a significant number of awnings, a finding that is in sharp contrast to the abundance of awnings in Europe, where traditionally less air-conditioning is used in the summer. [Where did this information come from and do we have data in numbers or percentages to make this statement?] The study investigated the energy savings for single family homes in terms of heat gain, energy costs in heating and cooling, and the reduction of energy use during peak periods.
The results illustrate that in predominantly cold climates, such as Minneapolis, and mixed climates, such as St. Louis, the highest energy savings are achieved when awnings are used in the summer and retracted or removed in the winter. Hot climates benefit from awnings year round, but because they are typically used year round there is less overall energy savings compared to cold and mixed climates.
The study indicates that the range of energy saved varies widely on number of windows, type of glass in the windows, window orientation. It also shows that awnings could have significant impact on utilities, especially during times of peak energy usage. If energy companies encourage consumers to install awnings and a large number of consumers do just that, there is less demand for energy at the times of peak usage. This in turn reduces the need for additional mechanical equipment to cool the home.
Researchers used a special computer program to investigate variables used with a standard awning with sides. The variables included geographic location, window orientation and exposure, winter and summer usage, and three types of windows. This study is Phase One, and covers seven cities, Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle, Albuquerque, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Sacramento, that exemplify a wide range of temperature variations and sun angles found across the U.S. Phase Two will cover an additional five cities and is due for release in the spring.
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), a division of IFAI, and is made up of awning fabricators and suppliers to the awning industry. PAMA maintains two Web sites: www.awninginfo.com which focuses on association members and commercial awning use, and www.awningstoday.com which educates consumers about awnings and awning benefits.
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) proactively represents and promotes the products and innovations of the specialty fabrics industry worldwide.
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