In Southern Utah, summer doesn’t just feel like a season; it feels like a test of endurance. With temperatures regularly climbing past 110°F, our air conditioners work overtime, and our power bills often skyrocket along with our thermometers.
At Sun Country Awnings, we’ve spent over 30 years helping St. George homeowners reclaim their backyards, and let’s be honest, a great patio cover is perfect for that. But the biggest surprise for many of our customers isn’t just how much they love their new outdoor space—it’s how much they save on their monthly utility bills and how much more comfortable the inside of their house is.
Here is everything you need to know about the Return on Investment (ROI) of installing a high-quality aluminum, steel, or fabric awning or patio cover in St. George.
1. The Physics of “Solar Heat Gain”
Most homeowners try to fight the heat after it enters the house by cranking the AC. However, the more effective strategy is stopping the heat before it ever touches your glass. Think of it like stopping an intruder with a good lock before they get into the home rather than stopping them once they are already in.
Windows are the weakest link in your home’s insulation. When the intense St. George sun hits a south- or west-facing window, it creates a greenhouse effect. This is known as Solar Heat Gain.
The Stats: According to the Department of Energy, smart shading can reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%. By installing a solid-top aluminum cover or a heavy-duty fabric awning, you are effectively putting your home in the “shade,” which can lower indoor surface temperatures by as much as 20 degrees.
Solid top aluminum patio cover in brown
2. Lattice vs. Solid Top: Choosing Your Protection
At Sun Country, we specialize in a wide variety of materials and products each offering different levels of energy efficiency. Whichever way you go, there are really just a few types of St. George patio covers or awnings to know about:
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Solid Top: This provides 100% shade. It acts as a secondary roof for your patio, completely blocking UV rays and preventing the concrete slab of your patio from “heat soaking” and radiating warmth into your house all night.
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Lattice: While it allows for airflow and dappled light, a well-designed lattice structure can still block 40% to 60% of direct sunlight. This is a great middle-ground for those who want shade without losing their view of the Pine Valley Mountains. It’s also a great way to loose the heat without losing the fresh breeze.
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Fabric & Steel: For a more modern or flexible look, our fabric structures utilize high-performance solar textiles designed to breathe while reflecting the harsh desert sun.
3. Beyond Windows: Protecting Your “Thermal Mass”
Windows aren’t the only offenders, though. In St. George, most homes are built with stucco and concrete patios. These materials act as what’s called a “thermal mass”—they soak up heat all day and slowly release it long after the sun goes down. Just think about how long your driveway stays warm after the sun goes down. It’s like a great sponge, soaking in energy all day and then slowly releasing it after dusk.
If your patio is baking in the sun all day, that heat is being transferred directly through your foundation and into your home. By shading your entire patio area with a permanent aluminum patio cover, you keep the ground cool. This means your AC doesn’t have to fight “ghost heat” at 10:00 PM.
4. Calculating the ROI: It Pays for Itself
When you invest in a Sun Country Awning, you aren’t just buying a “patio cover.” You are investing in:
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Lower Utility Bills: Immediate monthly savings during the 5–6 months of Utah heat.
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Extended HVAC Life: Your air conditioner doesn’t have to cycle as often, meaning fewer repairs and a longer lifespan for your unit.
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Increased Home Value: In the St. George real estate market, “Outdoor Living Space” is a top-tier search term. Custom-built aluminum and steel structures offer a significantly higher resale value than cheap, temporary DIY kits.
5. The Lifestyle Bonus
While the energy savings are a financial win, the true ROI is the usability of your home. Instead of being “trapped” inside from June to September, a shaded patio becomes a functional extension of your living room. It becomes the place where you drink your morning coffee, host family BBQs, and watch the sunset—all without breaking a sweat.
Stop Cooling the Neighborhood and Start Cooling Your Home
If you’re tired of watching your power bill climb every summer, it’s time to look at the exterior of your home. Whether you want the classic look of aluminum or the industrial strength of steel, we can design a solution that fits your budget and your HOA.
