Tags: flickr, home, landscaping glass seattle, photo, photography, recycled, seattle
 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES 60 ea JIFFY PEAT PELLETS TRAYDOME $11.79 Time Remaining: 7d 8h 9m Buy It Now for only: $11.79 |
 American Girl Addy Gardening Supplies Pleasant Company Retired $49.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 15h 14m |
 240W Red Blue LED Hydroponic Plant Grow Light Panel Gardening Supplies Indoor $200.99 Time Remaining: 13h 28m Buy It Now for only: $200.99 |
 GRASS SHEARS MADE IN USA GARDENING SUPPLIES GARDEN TOOLS OUTDOORS $2.99 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 11m |
 Seedling Seed Starter tray Gardening Supplies 1200 cells $23.99 Time Remaining: 11d 19h 37m Buy It Now for only: $23.99 |
 Pleasant Company PC American Girl ADDY GARDENING SUPPLIES retired complete set $89.99 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 19m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
Finding Sustainability With Energy-efficient Retractable Awnings
Cutting back on energy use is an admirable goal, but it’s difficult to not use air conditioning in humid summer heat or to keep blinds drawn (blocking your view) – on sunny spring days and all for a very minimal affect on actual energy costs.
Going green is an important consideration for homeowners (according to the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, that’s important to 75% of homeowners) – but there are so many other maintenance demands on home budgets that going green needs to be a little bit easier. That’s the advantage of retractable awnings; they’re an easy first step towards efficiency:
• Lower the need for air conditioning, so you can lower usage without discomfort
• Don’t require a hefty financial investment, remodeling time, or difficulty
• Are an attractive enhancement to a home
• Have simple installation, low maintenance, and long lifetime
The largest expense in a home or business is controlling the temperature, so basic energy sustainability projects begin with maintaining home or business temperatures efficiently. Almost half of the heat that builds up in a home or business comes from sunlight. You may think that using blinds and shades to block a lot of sunlight is enough to block the heat energy, but according to Louisiana-based Claiborne Electric Cooperative, blinds only block the light from the sun. Once the energy reaches the window, the heat enters the room regardless of light, so the blinds don’t lower real air conditioning use.
Retractable awnings actually block solar energy from reaching the window, so it never enters the house. That’s a much more effective way of controlling air conditioning use; in fact, retractable awnings can cut the heat buildup in a room between 65% and 77%, according to the US Department of Energy.
So what effect does cutting down the solar heat in a room have on energy bills? In broad terms, it cuts air conditioning use around 25% and saves $100 on annual electric bills. The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) commissioned a study covering twelve major cities across the United States, factoring in the window orientation (west, south, east, or equal), whether the awning was installed year-round or only in Summer, the type of glass (normal or solar-reflective), and how long the Summer seasons are.
The effect of awnings varies widely depending on where most of the windows face, the region, and local energy costs. Sunnier homes – with western-facing windows or in long sunny seasons – showed a marked improvement, though every home cut cooling energy use:
• Sacramento and Seattle by over 60%
• Minneapolis and Boston around 33%
• Washington, DC and Houston around 15%
The actual dollar amount that translates to can equal even more than the percentage sounds; for example, Phoenix homes cut air conditioning use by 25% by using awnings but realized savings totaling almost $250.
One significant finding in the PAMA study: the benefits of using an awning are only in the summer. Year-round awnings increase heating expenses, and that can actually raise annual bills. For example, houses in Atlanta with east-facing windows saved a moderate $50 per summer on electric bills – but lost $7 over the entire year. In Boston, the decline in cooling energy usage had a minor affect on air conditioning expenses ($1), but cost $65 because of increased heating expenses.
That’s why true energy efficiency comes through installing a retractable awning.
While air conditioning expenses are a significant amount of electricity usage, heating expenses account for almost half of all energy used in a home. Any efficiency solution that improves air conditioning. Retractable awnings do that: they can remain extended throughout the entire summer season, for the maximum reduction in air conditioning expenses. As fall and winter set in, they can be retracted, so solar heat enters and naturally warms the house, keeping heating expenses down. By staying open permanently, fixed awnings cut sunlight in winter months, significantly increase heating costs, and cancel out any summer utility bill savings.
In the Northeast, where energy prices are a big concern, the New Hampshire utilities system recommends integrating retractable awnings with your landscaping to increase energy efficiency. Other features – easy care, easy use, long lifetime (over 25 years, instead of about 5 years), and diverse solution dyed acrylic fabric selections – make retractable awnings an appealing energy efficiency option. The reason for retractable awnings increasing popularity in America – and their immense popularity in Europe – is because they provide a simple, relatively inexpensive, and attractive method to control energy use.
About the Author
Retractable Awnings offers quality awnings and patio covers, which are both reliable and easy to use .http://www.retractableawnings.com
For more information on this subject click this link
Gardening Tips & Articles and Thank You for visiting Pines To Prairie - Bookmark this page and check back often.
|
|
GARDENING SUPPLIES 60 ea JIFFY PEAT PELLETS TRAYDOME $11.79 Time Remaining: 7d 8h 9m Buy It Now for only: $11.79 |
American Girl Addy Gardening Supplies Pleasant Company Retired $49.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 15h 14m |
240W Red Blue LED Hydroponic Plant Grow Light Panel Gardening Supplies Indoor $200.99 Time Remaining: 13h 28m Buy It Now for only: $200.99 |
|
Seedling Seed Starter tray Gardening Supplies 1200 cells $23.99 Time Remaining: 11d 19h 37m Buy It Now for only: $23.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 5eaHUMIDITY DOMES $14.99 Time Remaining: 15d 13h 22m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES WATERING SPRINKLING $7.49 Time Remaining: 4d 7h 4m Buy It Now for only: $7.49 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 50 PLANT LABEL TAGS $6.49 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 27m Buy It Now for only: $6.49 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 5eaTRAYS NO HOLES $9.99 Time Remaining: 17d 10h 21m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Hydroponic Seeding Heat Mat for Indoor Garden Planting Gardening Supplies Plants $28.99 Time Remaining: 25d 8h 59m Buy It Now for only: $28.99 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES SEED STARTING 288 PLUGS+TRAYDOME $10.99 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 5m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES 300 ea 2 1 4 JIFFY PEAT POTS $19.99 Time Remaining: 27d 13h 26m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 50ea3SqPLASTIC POTS $13.99 Time Remaining: 15d 7h 5m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 Seedling Seed Starter trays Gardening Supplies 2100 cells $39.99 Time Remaining: 11d 21h 56m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES JIFFY PEAT POTSTRAYS $12.99 Time Remaining: 23d 12h 8m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES JIFFY PEAT POTS2TRAYS $9.99 Time Remaining: 18d 11h Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 50 35 PLASTIC POTS $7.99 Time Remaining: 10d 5h 4m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
GRASS SHEARS MADE IN USA GARDENING SUPPLIES GARDEN TOOLS OUTDOORS $2.99 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 11m |
 Plastic Watering Can Gardening Supplies Watering Equipment Planting New $14.99 Time Remaining: 28d 7h 33m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES PRO MIX BX MEDIUM $8.99 Time Remaining: 23d 11h 53m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES 5 GALLONS EA VERMICULITEPERLITE $17.99 Time Remaining: 28d 3h 39m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 LED Hydroponic Plant Grow Light Panel Red Blue Gardening Supplies Grow Tool $199.99 Time Remaining: 26d 15h 41m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 60 5 JIFFY PEAT POTS $18.49 Time Remaining: 17d 8h 39m Buy It Now for only: $18.49 |
 Seed Starting 72 cell inserts Gardening supplies trays $6.59 Time Remaining: 24d 7h 16m Buy It Now for only: $6.59 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 75 PLANT TAGS 8LONG $15.69 Time Remaining: 20d 13h 50m Buy It Now for only: $15.69 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES 38 PLASTIC POTS WITH INSERTTRAY $13.95 Time Remaining: 23d 15h 35m Buy It Now for only: $13.95 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES 2 GALLONS EAVERMICULITE PERLITE $8.69 Time Remaining: 29d 5h 3m Buy It Now for only: $8.69 |
 Seed Starting Plastic Nursery Pots Trays Gardening Supplies $23.95 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 40m Buy It Now for only: $23.95 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 50 2 1 4 DIAMETER JIFFY PEAT POTS $8.29 Time Remaining: 13d 9h 16m Buy It Now for only: $8.29 |
 50 6 HEAVY DUTY PLASTIC FLOWER POTS for SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES $16.79 Time Remaining: 17d 7h 27m Buy It Now for only: $16.79 |
 25 ea Seed Starting 72 cell inserts Gardening supplies $22.50 Time Remaining: 5d 9h 40m Buy It Now for only: $22.50 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 50 PLANT TAGS 6LONG $7.59 Time Remaining: 23d 7h 2m Buy It Now for only: $7.59 |
Pleasant Company PC American Girl ADDY GARDENING SUPPLIES retired complete set $89.99 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 19m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 4 GALLONS VERMICULITE $8.69 Time Remaining: 13h 28m Buy It Now for only: $8.69 |
 1000 Jiffy 7 Peat Pellets 50mm Seed Starting Gardening Supplies $139.95 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 58m Buy It Now for only: $139.95 |
 12 ea Gardening supplies 18 pot inserts Seed Starting $14.99 Time Remaining: 6d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 LED Hydroponic Plant Grow Light Panel Red Blue Gardening Supplies Grow Tool $200.50 Time Remaining: 13d 16h 30m Buy It Now for only: $200.50 |
 2 Gallons Each Vermiculite Fine Perlite Seed Starting Gardening Supplies $8.69 Time Remaining: 8d 6h 58m Buy It Now for only: $8.69 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES OASIS SEED CUTTINGS STARTING KIT $15.99 Time Remaining: 22d 11h 10m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 Vermiculite Medium 2 Gallons Seed Starting Gardening Supplies $5.19 Time Remaining: 7d 9h 49m Buy It Now for only: $5.19 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 50 5 PLASTIC POTS $12.79 Time Remaining: 28d 13h 42m Buy It Now for only: $12.79 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 12 INSERTS12 TRAYS $34.99 Time Remaining: 27d 9h 32m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 54 POTS 3 CARRY TRAYS $14.49 Time Remaining: 17d 8h 40m Buy It Now for only: $14.49 |
 Vermiculite Coarse 4 Cubic Foot Seed Starting Gardening Supplies $27.59 Time Remaining: 7d 9h 43m Buy It Now for only: $27.59 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 28eaPLASTIC POTSTRAY $11.79 Time Remaining: 9d 13h 41m Buy It Now for only: $11.79 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 100 JIFFY PEAT POTS $14.75 Time Remaining: 24d 15h 5m Buy It Now for only: $14.75 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 50ea PLASTIC POTS $10.79 Time Remaining: 9d 9h 1m Buy It Now for only: $10.79 |
 AMERICAN GIRL ADDY GARDENING SUPPLIES COMPLETE NEW $99.99 Time Remaining: 3d 15h Buy It Now for only: $129.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES VERMICULITECHOICE $27.59 Time Remaining: 22d 11h 15m Buy It Now for only: $27.59 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES JIFFY PEAT POTSINSERTS TRAYS $16.95 Time Remaining: 26d 11h 36m Buy It Now for only: $16.95 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES VERMICULITE 2 GALS $5.19 Time Remaining: 5d 12h 9m Buy It Now for only: $5.19 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 25 35 PLASTIC POTS $4.39 Time Remaining: 24d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $4.39 |
 Vermiculite Coarse 10 Gallons Seed Starting Gardening Supplies $17.99 Time Remaining: 7d 9h 39m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 50 PLANT TAGS 8LONG $11.49 Time Remaining: 20d 13h 48m Buy It Now for only: $11.49 |
 Vermiculite Fine 5 Gallons Seed Starting Gardening Supplies $9.99 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 50m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 3 INSERTS3 TRAYS $9.99 Time Remaining: 14d 7h 11m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES 200ea 2 1 4 JIFFY PEAT POTS $13.89 Time Remaining: 16d 14h 1m Buy It Now for only: $13.89 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 10 GAL VERMICULITE $17.99 Time Remaining: 5d 12h 5m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 GARDENING SUPPLIES 25 ea 2 1 4 JIFFY PEAT POTS $5.69 Time Remaining: 29d 9h 58m Buy It Now for only: $5.69 |
 SEED STARTING GARDENING SUPPLIES 24 5 POTS 3 TRAYS $13.49 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 13m Buy It Now for only: $13.49 |
 LARGE GARDEN YARD GARDENING SUPPLIES CART WHEELBARROW $92.84 Time Remaining: 8d 4h 53m Buy It Now for only: $92.84 |
