Awnings save energy, increase the value of your home, and add style

Homeowners are continually looking for ways to get a greater return on their home investment. But with the recent price increases for building materials and shrinking lot sizes, outdoor living areas are now becoming a more valuable and trendy upgrade.

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.

?Homeowners often consider their home a retreat and are on the lookout for unique additions that add character,? said Michelle Sahlin, managing director, Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). ?An awning extends outdoor living space by creating a new room without the high costs and complexities of other home additions. These outdoor havens have the potential to give homeowners increased selling power.?

Beyond improving a home?s value, there is a much larger benefit for homeowners to use awnings – energy efficiency.

A recent study covering Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle, Albuquerque, Phoenix, St. Louis and Sacramento, found that window awnings can reduce household cooling energy by as much as 26 percent in hot climates and 33 percent in cold climates. PAMA funded the study to determine if awnings are a viable means of reducing energy and air conditioner usage in the home.

?Energy efficiency, extended outdoor living and the potential for lower electric bills are some of the most valuable reasons to purchase an awning for your home,? said Sahlin. ?Dollar for dollar, the value of this investment is hard to match when considering home upgrades.?

Please note that for any type of awning, price will vary depending on size and style. Please contact your local PAMA member for specific estimates.  For more information about the energy study or to find an awning manufacturer near you, you should visit http://www.awningstoday.com.

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