Energy Savings
Sunair® awnings offer great benefits in reducing energy costs while keeping you cool on your deck or patio. You can reduce heat gain inside by as much as 77% and reduce sunlight and glare through your window by as much as 94%

There is a great study by the University of Minnesota and funded by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association that compares the impact of awnings in twelve U.S Cities. This study was conducted by the Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota. This study revealed that awnings result in energy savings by reducing the direct solar gain through windows.

According to the study, awnings can reduce annual cooling energy by as much as 15 percent in hot climates, such as Houston, and as much as 17 percent in moderate climates, such as Washington, DC, compared to homes with completely unshaded windows. The amount of cooling energy saved varies depending on the number of windows, type of glass in the windows, window orientation and the climate the house is in.

“What some people don’t realize is that in most homes, more cooling energy is lost through glass doors and windows than any other part of the house,” said Michelle Sahlin, managing director of PAMA. “Awnings are an effective way to reduce heat gain and prevent cooling energy loss in households. This benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the homeowner by saving them money on energy bills.”

The table below is a summary. Click here for complete copy of the PAMA study.

Sun Protection

A Sunair® awning keeps you cool on your patio or deck, but it also minimizes your exposure to the sun's harmful rays. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, there will be 8,420 fatalities in the U.S., 5,400 in men and 3,020 in women. The number of new cases of invasive melanoma is estimated at 62,480; of these, 34,950 will be in men and 27,350 in women. A Sunair® awning with Sunbrella® acrylic fabric reduces that risk.

In fact, a Sunair awning provides you and your family with 99% UV protection from the suns harmful rays so you and your family are free to enjoy the outdoors without worry.

Add Value To Your Home

A Sunair® retractable awning will increase your outdoor living area comfortably and efficiently at a fraction of the cost of a permanent addition and also increase the value of your home.

"Homeowners often consider their homes a retreat and are on the lookout for unique additions that add character," said Michelle Sahlin, managing director, Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). "Extending outdoor living with an awning creates a new room without the high costs and complexities of other home additions. Not to be overlooked, these outdoor havens have the potential to give homeowners increased selling power."

In addition, awnings, both aesthetically appealing and functional, create an outdoor extension of the home that can facilitate many activities. And a well-placed awning can add thousands of dollars to the price of a home, especially in smaller homes where square footage is at a premium.

Comparison Versus the Competition

With a SUNAIR® retractable awning you can have sun when you want it or shade when you need it simply by extending or retracting the awning. With our awnings you eliminate any unsightly poles or permanent framework.

On cloudy days when you are not using the awning it stays retracted against the wall allowing light to penetrate unlike permanent fixed awnings, which block light on dark gloomy days.

Unlike stationary awnings there is no need for seasonal takedown and re-installation. The awning stays retracted on the wall out of harms way.

Although retractable awnings are made for sun control, they can be used in light rain while monitored and offer a great way to continue using the deck during inclement weather.

A Sunair® retractable awning is practically maintenance free, and provides beauty and increased value to your home.

Motorized awnings with electronic controls make the Sunair awning an even better investment. Wind sensors can automatically retract your awning and protect it from high winds. Similarly, automatic sun sensors will extend the awning automatically with the sun.