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Awnings: a simple cooling tech we apparently forgot about
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this post was submitted on 17 Jul 2024
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Is there an awning form factor that doesn't block a significant part of the view? Seems like most the examples in the video blocked a lot of the window when looking straight out.
he mentioned that there are ones you can easily put down when you don't need them and said that if awnings were to become a thing he's sure they'd become smartified with some iot bullshit.
Biggest issue is that movable awnings would be more fragile, and fixed awnings are ugly and permanently block light.
Not sure they're coming back anytime soon.
Retractable awnings are VERY common in many parts of Europe, and they make a huge difference. I've got one on both balconies for my apartment, mine are electric and controlled by Home Assistant, I program them according to the position of the sun. You can install an anemometer to retract them automatically and protect them from damage.
That sounds amazing. Since I have an HA setup as well I'll see if that's an option here. We have a lot of South facing, large windows.
You don't need smart motors or smart awnings, just a normal motorized awning connected to your smart switch of choice. I have bticino zigbee switches for the shutters, and shelly wifi ones for the awnings.
You can buy smart awnings at German home improvement stores
https://www.bauhaus.info/gelenkarmmarkisen/solid-elements-gelenkarmmarkise-berlin-solar/p/30790441
oh thats awesome, thanks! if i ever own a house ill totally get awnings. that wont ever happen but i can dream.
At my parents old home, I helped install a retractable one that covered the patio.
Certainly more expensive than a basic awning, but excellent utility. And handy for the times a storm/high winds are going to be coming through.
Some years later, the switch wasn't working properly, so while fixing it I use the guts of a garage door opener (another replacement, broken motor) to use the wireless remote as a second relay control for the awning. This was about 15-20 years ago, I'd bet there are more options today. Even just ones with a dry contact you can more easily wire into a system.