Can Insulated Patio Covers Really Lower Your Energy Bills? Here’s the Math

Remember the unbearable heat during the 2024 July months? And your AC was probably struggling to keep up with the brutal heatwave. 

Plus, it also means your energy bills might have gone through the roof. As Summer approaches again, what do you have in mind to lower the energy costs this time? Well, we have a simple but impactful solution. 

You can turn your unused patio into an efficient tool to reduce electricity costs. It’s simple, just install an insulated patio cover. If you’re wondering how this can be effective, we’ll break it down for you in this blog. We’ll not just give you vague opinions, but information backed with valid reasons!

How an Insulated Patio Cover Functions

You might wonder, “How can insulated patio covers keep the patio cooler when it’s an open space and you can’t trap any heat there in the first place?” 

Your concern is for the right reason. But unlike standard covers, an insulated patio cover will actually keep heat away from the patio. Your patio can absorb a great amount of the sun’s energy all day and then release it as heat (even after sunset). But if you install insulated covers, the patio will not absorb enough sunlight in the first place! 

Naturally, the patio will be 10-15°F cooler than if it were exposed to sunlight. So, you can have your ice cream peacefully while sitting on your patio, even in the afternoon, without worrying about the scorching heat!

Now that you know how insulated patio covers can block the heat, we’ll tell you how they can efficiently lower your energy bills.

How Do Insulated Patio Covers Reduce Electricity Bills?

If you look at the average amount that California residents pay for their electricity bills every month, you’ll see that it’s about $163. That means, per year, you’re paying around $1,956 (average). Unfortunately, in the future, it’s only gonna increase as hotter summers might compel you to increase your AC consumption. 

But with insulated patio covers, you can reduce the AC bills! You might be thinking how insulated patio covers, being an outdoor structure, impact your energy bills inside, right? Well, the connection is pretty simple. It comes down to heat transfer! It’s about whether the heat from the outside can easily enter your home through the patio. This is how an insulated patio cover can benefit you:

• Less Heat Absorption For Your Home: When your patio heats up after getting sunlight all day, it’ll radiate the heat into the adjacent windows, walls, and sliding glass doors of your home. This will, in turn, raise the indoor temperatures and will increase your AC consumption. With insulated patio covers, the patio won’t trap much sunlight and will remain much cooler. So there won’t be any heat radiating to your home’s structure, and you won’t have to use your AC frequently!
• Blocking Sun Rays From Entering Your Home: When you install an insulated patio cover in the yard, you’ll get a shaded area close to your home. This will automatically keep your home cooler than usual by blocking the heat rays from entering your house. This way, you won’t have to turn on your AC all day long!

When you stop using your AC frequently, it’ll definitely reduce your energy bills. Also, when you use your HVAC system 30-40% less frequently, it also means you are saving it from rough use and potentially increasing its lifespan as well. So, it’s a win-win in all cases, right?

How Do Patio Cover Materials Affect Their Insulation Properties?

An insulated patio cover acting as a sunlight shield is not magic. It’s simple science! The insulation properties are due to the material of the cover, which blocks the sunlight rather than reflecting, absorbing, or trapping it. Usually, the core of these patio covers contains materials like polyurethane or polystyrene that are excellent for insulation. This ultimately helps regulate the temperature below the cover. 

You can also use aluminum for your insulated patio covers. Usually, the core materials like polystyrene or polyurethane will be sandwiched between two layers of aluminum sheet. So, you’ll get the durability, strength, and visually appealing properties of an aluminum patio cover, and it will also act as an insulation from the sun’s rays. You might also opt for wood, vinyl, or any other type of custom patio covers. 

After all, style and comfort can indeed go hand in hand!

Do Insulated Patio Covers Cost More?

The short answer is yes. Compared to non-insulated patio covers, you’ll have to pay more to buy the insulated ones due to the cost of the added insulation layer. However, an insulated cover with high upfront cost and energy savings in the long term is always better than a low-priced non-insulated cover that costs you higher electricity bills for decades. So, why opt for only initial savings? 

Plus, with non-insulated patio covers, you’ll have to add cooling systems like fans and air coolers to keep your patio cooler during the summer. This can add to your long-term costs as well. With insulated patio covers, you’ll not have to worry about any of these. Instead, you’ll get tons of options to customize your patio with an elegant touch of sophistication and beauty, all without compromising your comfort!

How An Energy-Efficient Insulated Patio Cover Can Benefit You!

If you’re opting for patio covers installation, you’re not only reducing your electricity bills but also getting several other benefits along with it! 

• Increased Property Value: Opting for an energy-efficient, insulated patio cover means you’re increasing your property value. After all, buyers will love your functional and comfortable patio that saves on energy bills!
• UV Protection: No direct sunlight means no direct exposure to UV rays as well. So, you can enjoy your patio throughout the day without any worries!
• Warmer Winters: The cover will keep the space below it warmer during the winter. So, you can enjoy more barbecue parties in your yard in the winter from now on!

Takeaway 

The straight answer to whether insulated patio covers can lower your energy costs or not is a big yes! They have unique core materials made of polystyrene and polyurethane that insulate the cover and keep the patio temperature cooler during hot summer days. 

This, in turn, is good news for your energy consumption! As the air around your patio will remain cooler, your home will be comparatively cooler as well. Naturally, you’ll not need to use your AC frequently, and this will lower your energy bills. So, if you’re planning to buy an insulated patio cover, go for it!

Read More About Patio Covers in our latest Blogs-

1. The Top 5 Benefits of Insulated Patio Covers: Why You Should Consider Them
2. Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Custom Patio Covers
3. Why Choose Custom Patio Covers Over Pre-Fabricated Options?
4. Freestanding vs. Attached Patio Covers: A Complete Comparison

Save Energy & Relax in Your Patio with Our Insulated Patio Covers at New Dawn Awning Company!

Are you looking for patio covers in Sacramento? You can tell New Dawn Awning Company what you need! We’ll install a top-class, long-lasting, and durable patio cover for your outdoor space that’ll increase your home’s curb appeal and value! 

Our in-house subcontractors are experts in satisfying our customers with quick and reliable services. Plus, you’ll get hassle-free installation and guaranteed products, all within your budget! 

You can call us for installing insulated patio covers in Sacramento, and we’ll do our best to provide you with excellent materials and several options for design, shape, size, and color. Reach out to us today at (916) 989-3533!