In a typical home, more energy is lost through glass doors and windows than through any other construction element. In fact, on a hot day, more energy comes through one square foot of glass than through an entire insulated wall. Solar radiation through glass is responsible for approximately 20% of the load on an air conditioner. Window films and lightly tinted glass effectively reduce heat gain, as well as glare.

Properly designed awnings accomplish the same purpose and substantially increase energy savings over the film and tinted glass alternatives.
 
In studies by the American Society of Heating and Air conditioning engineers, during the period of the day when the sun shines directly on southern facing windows, a fabric awning reduces heat gain by 55 % to 65 %. For western exposure, the reduction in heat gain is 72% to 77%