New Video Provides Easy-to-Understand Look at Energy Advantages of Fabric Awnings and Solar Shades

ROSEVILLE, Minn., May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saving money, enhancing curb appeal and reducing your carbon footprint are just a few benefits to retrofitting homes with awnings this summer, according to a new video released by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA).

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130514/DC12531)

The animation, which can be accessed at awninginfo.com, provides a simple overview of how awnings are a smart choice for homeowners.

In the light-hearted video, two neighbors casually discuss the results of PAMA's recent nation-wide, 50-city energy study that shows how fabric awnings or exterior shades can save homeowners up to 50% in cooling costs in some areas of the country.

Animation Shows Fabric Awnings are Smart Retrofit

The 2012 study focused on older homes that are typically smaller and less insulated than newer construction. Resulting data supports awnings and solar shades as "smart" retrofits to help make older homes more energy efficient.

For example, awnings on a home with single or double glazed windows in Pennsylvania can reduce cooling energy 46-50% in a hot year compared to the same house without awnings. In a hot city like Phoenix, AZ the estimated net savings was $193 in a typical year.

"The Awning Energy Study video is a fun way to help homeowners find the study online and share it with others," said Michelle Sahlin, managing director of the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). "Fabric awnings are a simple home upgrade that enhances your home exterior, while reducing energy used by running air conditioners at full-blast. The sun's rays through glass are responsible for almost 20% of the load on your air conditioner"

"Awnings block solar heat before it passes through the windows into the house," says Peter Yost, Vice President of BuildingGreen.com, an online green building design resource. "Installing fabric awnings make the home interior more comfortable and they can save 30% or more on the summer energy bill depending on geographic location. "

Details on how the study was conducted, a summary report and data for each of the 50 cities are available at awninginfo.com.

About PAMA
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), is the only international trade association committed to the awning industry.  PAMA membership is open to companies who are current members of IFAI and manufacture or sell awnings, as well as those who supply goods and services to the awning industry.

SOURCE Professional Awning Manufacturers Association