* Awnings can reduce a homes internal temperature by 8 to 10 degrees F. * Solar radiation through glass is responsible for approximately 20% of the load of the residential air conditioner. * On a hot day, more energy is lost through one square foot of glass than through an entire insulated wall. * A fabric reduces heat gain by 55% to 65% during the period of the day when the sun shines directly on southern facing windows, and 72% to 77% for western exposures.