Save Money Using and Buying Retractable Awnings

In this economy, people are trying to find ways to economize. Electricity and energy bills are undoubtedly going to rise higher over the next few years, so curbing electricity use (without sacrificing comfort!) is a starting point for houses, mobile homes, apartments, and businesses to get their budgets under control.

For long-term reductions in energy bills, one place to look is retractable awnings. With some savvy sales shopping, retractable awnings can also be much more affordable to buy than you might think.

Save on Cooling

The number one way that retractable awnings save money is by reducing the electricity spent on air conditioning. According to a 2007 study commissioned by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), retractable awnings reduce indoor heat gain by as much as 77% (anywhere from 8 to 20 degrees) which, in turn, reduces air conditioning use by over 25%. This can translate into savings of several hundred dollars a year.

One reason that awnings are so much more effective than decorating tricks like window tinting, shades, blinds, draperies, window glazing, or weather stripping is that retractable awnings stop sunlight before it reaches the exterior of the building, rather than just shading the room. That makes it much more effective.

Save on Heating

The affect on heating bills is a key differentiator between fixed and retractable awnings. While having any kind of awning is a great way to reduce air conditioning use, having a fixed awning means that there can be no indoor heat gain in winter. This increases heating bills – and depending on the region, this can be enough to wipe out all the savings on air conditioning. Fixed awnings actually lose money on electricity because of increased heating bills.

Retractable awnings are about the only way to realize both kinds of savings. Retractable awnings block heat in spring and summer, and can be easily closed to allow warmth in autumn and winter.

Save on Lighting

Lighting for residences isn’t a budget-breaking consideration – around $120 per year. For businesses, however, lighting can total as much as 40% of electricity bills. Natural light design is a way for buildings to effectively utilize daylight for interior lighting while blocking glare, UV rays, or heat gain. The colored fabric of retractable awnings even produce a soft, diffuse light that’s easy on the eyes and can reduce headaches and strain.

Save Online

Online stores – whether for the latest bestseller or retractable awnings – are about 30% cheaper than brick-and-mortar stores. The primary reason is no overhead – no rent for massive storefronts, no sales staff – which lowers costs. Additionally, when customers buy online, they don’t pay sales taxes with one exception – one is required to pay sales tax if the online company is located in their US state.

A virtual presence also makes shopping for retractable awnings flexible, which makes it more affordable. You can buy awnings in the off-season winter months online, while most big box stores only carry awnings during the peak of the season.

Online stores are frequently closely associated with the manufacturers and fabricators, so they have access to features and options not available in most cookie-cutter physical stores. This means that they can offer special sales and extras, like free sensors, motors, or other discounts which are not available in physical stores.

Save with Incentives

Many states and counties offer incentives on property taxes for adopting energy efficient measures, like retractable awnings. Many even offer beautification incentives for downtown or historic areas, giving tax breaks for projects like installing retractable awnings. It’s worth a bit of elbow grease checking economic development, town clerk, and county clerk offices for available programs.

What Retractable Awnings Offer You

A quick checklist – cooling, lighting, online shopping – shows how retractable awnings save money. But that leaves the question, are retractable awnings the right choice for you?

There are a lot of situations where buying a retractable awning will benefit electric bills:

$      Lots of sunlight

$      Long summer seasons

$      High electricity bills

$      Older homes or buildings without central air conditioning

$      Homes or buildings with eastern, southern or western exposures

$      Cities with vibrant environmental programs

Really, there are two different reasons to buy a retractable awning. Rising expenses make retractable awnings a good way to save money, and reputable and reliable online companies make it attractively affordable.