Every summer, Pittsburgh homeowners and business owners brace themselves for higher utility bills. The warm, humid weather pushes air conditioning systems to work overtime, and even with energy-efficient equipment, it can be challenging to keep indoor spaces comfortable without driving up costs. While most people think of shade as something for porches or patios, research shows that well-placed awnings can do far more than make an outdoor space enjoyable — they can directly reduce the amount of energy your building needs to stay cool.
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) recently conducted a comprehensive study to understand exactly how much of an impact awnings can have on energy use. By running 480 detailed building simulations in each of 50 U.S. cities, researchers compared the performance of homes with and without different awning configurations.
The results were clear: awnings consistently reduced cooling demand, and in some cases, the savings were dramatic. Pittsburgh was among the cities that showed powerful benefits.
For homeowners and business owners in our region, this is good news. The study shows that awnings aren’t just an aesthetic upgrade; they can also be a strategic investment in lowering energy bills, improving comfort, and even reducing strain on the local power grid during peak summer demand.
The PAMA study, titled “The Impact on Energy Use and Peak Demand of Awnings and Roller Shades in Residential Buildings,” set out to quantify something that seems intuitive: blocking sunlight from entering your home can reduce the need for air conditioning. But instead of relying on assumptions, the researchers turned to DOE-2.1E building simulation software, which allows for precise modeling of how buildings react to real weather conditions.
They based their model on a 1,700-square-foot home with 255 square feet of windows — a realistic representation of many mid-sized American houses. They tested three common types of windows: single-pane clear glass, double-pane clear glass, and double-pane Low-E glass, which is more energy-efficient.
To understand the range of possibilities, they modeled four different awning styles: two drop angles (90° and 165°) and two fabric colors (black with 8% solar transmission and linen with 16% solar transmission).
They ran these tests in both cooling-season-only and year-round configurations. Weather scenarios included a “typical year” — essentially an average climate pattern — and the hottest year recorded in the previous 12 years for each city.
By running these simulations for so many different combinations of variables, the study was able to paint a detailed picture of how awnings influence both energy use and peak demand.
For Pittsburgh, the findings were striking. In the “typical year” simulation, a home with evenly distributed windows saw cooling energy use drop from 775 kWh to just 349 kWh — a 55% reduction — when awnings were used during the cooling season. When the windows were concentrated on the west side of the home, where the afternoon sun is strongest, the savings increased to 61%, translating to about 563 kWh saved.
For comparison, that’s the equivalent of running a standard window air conditioner for over 500 hours. For homeowners, this can mean noticeably lower electric bills during the summer months.
However, the study also uncovered an important caveat: Pittsburgh’s long, cold winters mean that awnings left in place year-round can slightly increase heating needs. In the same “typical year” scenario, the heating penalty was about -$58, which in some cases nearly canceled out the summer savings. The solution, according to the data, is simple — use awnings seasonally. Deploy them in spring, summer, and early fall, then retract or remove them for the winter.
The benefits weren’t limited to total energy use. Peak cooling demand — the highest burst of electricity needed on hot afternoons — dropped substantially as well. For homes with equal window orientation, peak demand fell from 2.59 kW to 1.80 kW, a 31% reduction. In west-facing scenarios, the reduction was even greater at 43%. This isn’t just a win for homeowners; lowering peak demand helps ease strain on the electrical grid and can prevent rolling blackouts during extreme heat waves.
In hotter-than-average years, awnings performed even better. The simulations for Pittsburgh’s hottest recorded year in the 12-year window showed about 723 kWh saved — a 41% reduction — despite higher overall cooling needs. This indicates that in years when cooling costs threaten to spike, awnings provide even more value.
For a Pittsburgh homeowner, these numbers translate into more than just a few dollars off the summer utility bill. They mean a cooler, more comfortable home without relying solely on mechanical cooling. Awnings stop heat before it enters the building, which makes them more effective than interior shades or blinds at reducing solar gain.
Consider a family living in a two-story home in Squirrel Hill with a large west-facing living room window. In July, that room often becomes the warmest in the house, forcing the central air conditioning system to work harder to keep temperatures even throughout the home. Installing a retractable canvas awning over that window could cut the amount of heat entering the room by more than half, reducing both the run time and the workload of the AC system. Over time, that’s not just energy savings — it’s also less wear and tear on expensive equipment.
Awnings can also significantly benefit commercial buildings in Pittsburgh, particularly those with large glass storefronts or southern and western exposures. A café in Lawrenceville, for example, might find that the afternoon sun makes the front seating area uncomfortably warm, discouraging customers from sitting by the window. Installing custom commercial canvas awnings can make the space more pleasant while simultaneously lowering the cooling load.
For retail shops, awnings also serve a dual purpose: they reduce indoor temperatures and protect merchandise from fading due to UV exposure. And for restaurants with outdoor seating, they make it possible to expand the usable dining area during sunny summer days without overheating patrons. The added shade can also keep entryways cooler, reducing the amount of hot air that rushes in each time the door opens.
Because many commercial utility rates in Pittsburgh include charges based on peak demand, lowering those afternoon spikes can have a direct impact on monthly costs. This makes the investment in awnings even more attractive for business owners.
While the energy efficiency benefits are measurable, the everyday perks of awnings are equally valuable. By blocking direct sunlight, awnings can prevent furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading. For families who’ve invested in hardwood floors or businesses displaying products in window-front spaces, this can extend the life and appearance of those investments.
Awnings also enhance comfort in ways that air conditioning alone cannot. Reducing glare on computer screens, television sets, or retail displays makes spaces more functional and inviting. For outdoor spaces, they transform patios and porches into usable areas during the hottest parts of the day.
And then there’s curb appeal. Custom canvas awnings in Pittsburgh, PA, can be designed to complement the style of a home or business. This not only improves aesthetics but can also boost property value — a benefit that becomes especially important if you plan to sell in the future.
Pittsburgh property owners should strategically consider awning placement and use to get the best return on investment. The PAMA study suggests that west—and south-facing windows offer the greatest opportunity for cooling cost reduction, but the exact placement depends on your building’s orientation, landscaping, and existing shading.
Seasonal use is significant in our climate. Fixed awnings left in place through the winter can increase heating needs, but retractable or removable awnings solve this problem. Modern retractable systems, whether manual or motorized, make it easy to deploy awnings in spring and store them in late fall.
Fabric choice also plays a role. Darker fabrics tend to block more light, which can be beneficial for high-sun exposures, but they also absorb more heat. Lighter fabrics reflect more sunlight and can keep the awning surface cooler to the touch. Both options have their place, depending on the balance of light control and heat management you need.
For commercial awnings, incorporating branding elements like logos, colors, and custom shapes can turn an energy-saving feature into a marketing tool. A well-designed awning can make a storefront more visible from the street while reducing operational costs.
While DIY awning kits are available, professional installation ensures that your awnings are sized, angled, and mounted for maximum effectiveness. Local experts understand Pittsburgh’s seasonal conditions, standard building materials, and even local zoning considerations. They can recommend whether a fixed, retractable, or motorized system will best suit your needs and help you select fabrics and hardware that will withstand local weather.
Country Canvas Awnings specializes in tailoring solutions to Pittsburgh’s unique mix of humid summers and snowy winters. This local knowledge is critical for ensuring your awnings deliver the savings and comfort you expect.
The PAMA study confirms what many in the shading industry have long suspected: Awnings are more than just an aesthetic touch — they’re a practical, effective tool for controlling energy costs. In Pittsburgh, where summers can be hot and winters long, strategically using awnings during the warmer months can reduce cooling energy use by up to 61% and cut peak demand significantly.
For homeowners, that means cooler rooms, lower bills, and longer-lasting HVAC systems. For businesses, it’s an opportunity to create more comfortable spaces for customers and staff while also lowering operational costs. And for both, there’s the added bonus of improved curb appeal and protection for interiors.
By working with Country Canvas Awnings and focusing on seasonal use, residential awnings and commercial awnings in Pittsburgh can become an investment that pays off year after year — in savings, comfort, and style. Contact our team today to learn more!
Your investment is safe under the care of our experienced staff of awning professionals. Enhance your home and make the most of our outdoor space with our help!
Call Country Canvas Awnings at 724-228-2707 or use the form to get more information or to schedule your service.
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