TRYING TO KEEP COOL CAN MAKE YOU CREATIVE

One of the best parts about owning a home is enjoying the backyard. But sometimes the summer months are just too hot.

Instead of running inside to the AC this summer, consider installing awnings or canopies around your home.

Your yard is an investment that should be enjoyed all summer long. Awnings and canopies not only add value and visual appeal, they can help keep you cool and comfortable.

Awnings also reduce home energy costs and protect the interior of your home. While canopies can provide a unique and classy way to enjoy your yard while staying cool.

These three creative home upgrades will give you some ideas about how to keep cool. Use awnings and canopies to get the most out of your summer.

South by Southwest. Take a hint from the famous music and creative festival in Austin, Texas: South by Southwest (SXSW). Placing awnings on your south facing windows can reduce summertime solar gain by up to 65-percent. Awnings on west facing windows can achieve a 75-percent solar gain reduction! Your home gets the most sun exposure on the south, and the hottest sun exposure to the west. Awnings in these windows will also protect your home furnishings. Furniture, carpeting and paint will all fade from prolonged and intense exposure to UV radiation.

Yard Shade. Your back yard is your summer sanctuary. Barbecue grills, hammocks and gardens rule the day. Lawn games? Big time! Adding a freestanding canopy in your backyard can provide you with a respite from the heat. Keep a cooler next to the grill, relax on a lawn chair in the shade, and take a break to contemplate your next croquet swing. A yard canopy will keep you and your family outside more, and will add value to your home.

Retraction Action. Sometimes you want to sunbathe. Sometimes you want to rest in the shade. Have the best of both worlds with a retractable awning. Enjoy breakfast on your deck or patio in the open air. Later in the afternoon when things heat up, don’t leave your yard for the AC inside. Stay outside and enjoy the fresh air under your retractable awning. Even during the hottest part of the day, the shaded area under an awning will usually be 15 to 20 degrees cooler. Retractable awnings are easy to use and can be custom made to fit any part of your home.