Awnings: a simple cooling tech we apparently forgot about
yt.artemislena.eu
Seriously - where'd they go? Links 'n' stuff: Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Have you ever noticed that I've never done a brand deal? That's all thanks to people like you! Viewer support through Patreon keeps this channel independent and possible. If you'd like to join the amazing folks who fund my work, check out the link below. And thank you! https://www.patreon.com/technologyconnections

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/11469763

Alternative Youtube Link

Summary

  1. The video discusses the benefits of window awnings, which were popular in the past but have fallen out of fashion.
  2. Awnings were used to shade windows from direct sunlight, reducing heat gain and keeping interiors cooler.
  3. They were praised for preserving furniture and preventing fading of wallpapers and carpets.
  4. Awnings were considered a valuable addition to homes, providing shade and creating a pleasant outdoor space.
  5. Despite their decline in popularity, many old houses still have window awnings, especially in Chicago neighborhoods.
  6. Window awnings used to be highly effective at shading windows from direct sunlight, keeping rooms cooler and allowing windows to be left open in the rain.
  7. With the rise of air conditioning, the need for awnings diminished, leading to them falling out of fashion.
  8. Awnings were seen as a sign of not having air conditioning, leading to their removal from homes.
  9. Adding window overhangs alone can reduce cooling energy needs by 20%, but there are trade-offs with other window performance characteristics.
  10. The ideal solution is to have windows with high solar heat gain coefficients for winter heating and use awnings to block sunlight in the summer, providing the best of both worlds.
  11. The video emphasizes the potential benefits of bringing back window awnings for both energy savings and aesthetic appeal.
  12. The differences between installing window awnings and more advanced home design techniques are discussed.
  13. The speaker discusses the importance of keeping windows shaded in warm climates like Phoenix, Arizona, where there seems to be a lack of focus on window overhangs.
  14. Various solutions to block sunlight, such as exterior roller shutters, blinds, and awnings, are mentioned.
  15. The speaker expresses a preference for awnings due to their effectiveness and aesthetic appeal.
  16. They also highlight the potential energy-saving benefits of window awnings and suggest encouraging their use in homes.
  17. The speaker ends by calling for more research on the cooling effects of window awnings and the importance of considering traditional cooling methods in modern home construction.