Manual vs. Motorized: Which Retractable Awning is Right for You?

Retractable awnings are a smart investment, especially in the sweltering heat of sunny Florida! Having the option to retract your awning in heavy winds, or when not in use, extends the life of your awning and ensures that it will continue making your outdoor spaces cooler and safer from harmful UV rays for many years to come. 

As you consider your options for a new retractable awning, you may be wondering if you should choose the manual or motorized version. While both models provide you with quality shade and rain protection, you may find some features that make one more suited to your needs than the other. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the type of awning for your home or business. 

Operation

Manual retractable awnings are operated with a hand-crank to open and close and do not require electricity. Motorized awnings, on the other hand, require electricity to extend and retract.

Ease of Use

While the manual awning hand-crank is fairly easy to turn, it may be difficult for the disabled or elderly to operate. It is also important to consider that you can only operate the manual versions from outside of your home or business. With the motorized models, you can operate your awning remotely with ease. Studies have shown that motorized retractable awnings get used four times as often as their manual counterparts because of the ease of use. 

Cost

Manual retractable awnings are more affordable options compared to motorized models. The motorized retractable awnings require more installation time and materials. That being said, both options will end up saving you money over time by reducing the overall energy costs for your home or business. 

Whether you are still undecided or ready to schedule an installation, Authority Home Solutions is here to assist you. Our dedication to quality products, expert installation, and friendly customer service has made us the #1 awning and shade installation company in The Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Reputation is Key: Choosing Your Awning Installation Company

Deciding to have a retractable awning installed on your home or place of business is an exciting process. Imagining the time you will spend outdoors and the level of protection your friends, family, or customers will receive may have you in a rush to get the process started immediately, especially as spring approaches. How do you choose an installation company to provide you with your new awning? 

When you are on the hunt for a local awning installer, you might find yourself scrolling through websites, blogs, and social media profiles to collect information about awning installation experts. While you can get good information from these sources, we urge you to make your final decision based on reviews.

Positive online reviews can provide you with proof that a business is trustworthy, reliable, and professional. The best way to assess the expertise, experience, and reputation of an awning installer is to take a look at their online reviews. While we recommend Google as the first place to check for these reviews, you can also find them on sites like Yelp and Facebook. 

When a customer or client receives a service and a product as described, they are pleased but rarely make the effort to complete a positive online review. On the other hand, when customers receive quality products with exceptional customer service they are far more likely to take time out of their busy day to complete an online review. Positive online reviews can help you to feel confident that your new awning investment is in good hands.

At Authority Home Solutions we love how often we have the opportunity to receive positive feedback from our clients and customers. How our customers feel about our products and installation is at the heart of our business. We can’t wait to help you create the outdoor space of your dreams with a new awning. Don’t just take our word for it, check out our reviews! Contact us today to schedule your free demonstration. 

Gerry King

2 reviews·5 photos

4 years ago

I can't say enough good things about Authority Home Solutions (AHS)!!

Chris and the team were courteous and very helpful and delivery was

fast! They helped us with our first SunSetter rollup Awning and now delivered us 3 rollup SunSetter shades last month. We live on a lake with west facing windows in our living room. The SunSetter shades Chris recommended us have drastically reduced our afternoon temperature in our living room by almost 20 degrees! We are so much more comfortable in the late afternoons an we still can see our beautiful view since we can see through them!! Thank you authority Home Solutions for allowing us to enjoy our peaceful view during the hottest months of the year.

Linda Hoo

2 reviews·1 photo

a year ago

I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to Authority Home Solutions, Sunsetter and their excellent installation team, Kurt and James. When I had a serious issue with my new awning, making it unusable, everyone went above and beyond to help give me the ability to use the product as intended. I would do business with this company again without any reservation. I am beyond impressed and satisfied with the excellent customer service experience at every level.

Kathy

6 reviews

2 years ago

Our experience with Authority Home Solutions has been fantastic!  From the time our sales rep, Scott, came to talk to us and place our order, to our installation yesterday, everything about this experience has been first class. Our installers, Kurt and James, were extremely professional and did a great job of installation. During the installation, they kept us updated on what they were doing and how it all came together. After the installation, Kurt sat down with us to explain all the functions of the remote and the operations of the Sunsetter Awning.  These two guys are first-class installers and were great.  Everyone involved in this process were very professional and pleasant to deal with.  We would highly recommend Authority Home Solutions for all your Sunsetter Awnings!

Awnings Are A Great Investment for Your Business

Your commercial storefront has the opportunity to attract attention to your brand and increase sales. Have you considered how you could improve this space? Having an awning installed on your business can make a huge impact. With the affordability of awnings, it makes good business sense to consider how this small business expense could benefit your brand and your business.

Protection

Awnings block harmful UV rays and rain. Your employees and customers will appreciate the cool shade and protection provided by an awning at your storefront, windows, or other outdoor spaces. As an added bonus, it will also decrease the cooling costs for your business, which is especially helpful during the warmest Florida months. Don’t let rain or heat keep your customers away!   

Curb Appeal

Awnings come in so many colors, patterns, and fabrics. If you choose to have an awning installed at your place of business, you can expect to find an option that looks beautiful and compliments both your business and your outdoor spaces. With the added outdoor space, you can even consider adding seating, plants, or additional lighting to take your curb appeal to the next level.

Brand Visibility

With all of the added curb appeal provided by your new awning, you are far more likely to generate the interest of potential customers. Your awning will allow you the opportunity to highlight your business logo and colors, creating a friendly and recognizable location for customers and clients. 

If you are interested in making this smart investment for your business, you can count on the expertise and customer service at Authority Home Solutions. We have been providing high-quality awning installation for over ten years in the Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, and surrounding areas. We would love to help you elevate your business space and increase your brand visibility. Contact us today with any questions you may have or to schedule your free demonstration.

SunSetter’s Exceptional Motorized and Motorized XL Awnings

Imagine transforming your patio or deck into your own personal oasis with the touch of a button. No, this isn’t science fiction. This future could be yours when you opt for the exceptional quality of a SunSetter Motorized or Motorized XL Awning. SunSetter is America’s #1 best-selling awning, providing quality awning models for over 30 years. SunSetter offers a variety of awning models that are sure to fit your unique outdoor space and budget. The Motorized and Motorized XL models are sure to amaze you with their innovative features.

Electric Powered

SunSetter’s electric-powered awnings feature the quality performance of Somfy awning motors. With over 50 years of experience, Somfy creates awning motors that allow you to smoothly, quietly, and effortlessly control your motorized awning with remote control. The awning motor is tucked away discreetly in the roller bar for a sleek look with reliable operation. If you lose power, the Motorized and Motorized XL models also feature a manual hand crank override.

Lateral Arm Technology

Lateral Arm technology gives your motorized awning the support it needs without the inconvenience of vertical supports taking up precious space in the outer corners of your deck or patio.

Quality Construction

SunSetter’s Motorized and Motorized XL Awnings feature rust-proof, high-quality aluminum components. A baked-on finish also adds to the durability of its components.

Maximum Protection

You can always count on all of the SunSetter awning models to provide you with protection from the hot sun, UV rays, and light rain showers. Even on the hottest Florida days, you can count on temperatures to be up to 20 degrees cooler under your SunSetter awning. SunSetter’s UV protection earned it a recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Your Local SunSetter Authorized Dealer

You can count on the quality care, installation, and customer service of Authority Home Solutions. For over 10 years we have been providing residents in Ocala, the Villages, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas with their own outdoor oasis. We would love to help you determine which SunSetter awning model will work best for your home and needs. Contact us today for a free demonstration.

Features At A Glance

Motorized:

Up to 10 ft. 2 in. protection out from house.

Widths from 8 to 18 ft. are available in SunSetter woven acrylic or laminated fabric.

19 to 20 ft. widths available in SunSetter woven cyclic fabric only.

Motorized XL:

11ft. 8 in. protection out from house.

Widths from 14 to 20 ft. available in SunSetter woven acrylic fabric only.

Operation:

Somfy electric motor with remote control and 18 ft, plug-in cord.

Decorating Your Retractable Awnings for the Holidays

The holiday season has arrived and many homeowners have already begun preparing their homes for the holidays. You may have seen them struggling with a set of tangled lights or frantically searching for the missing member of Santa’s reindeer squad. While we often yearn for peace and tranquility during this time of year, it is easy to get caught up in stressful situations in an attempt to transform our spaces into a winter wonderland. To help alleviate some of that holiday décor stress, we are going to answer some frequently asked questions about how you can decorate your retractable awnings for the holiday season. Whether you are a long-time retractable awning owner or considering adding a retractable awning to your wish list, pull on your coziest socks, make a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s get to those questions!

Is it safe to decorate my home’s retractable awnings with Christmas lights? What type of lights will work best on my awning?

Adding lights to your awnings is a perfect way to take your holiday home décor to the next level. We recommend that you choose lightweight light sets that compliment your awning fabric. If colorful lights don’t pair well with your fabric colors or patterns, consider the classic look of white lights. LED lights are an excellent cost-efficient choice. 90% of the energy used by incandescent bulbs escapes as heat, making LED bulbs far more energy-efficient.  As with any indoor or outdoor light display, it’s best to plan before you start. Gather your supplies and measuring tape, and make sure that you test each of your light sets before you begin. Check for areas that may be damaged as well. Make sure to choose awning hangers, clips, or fasteners that won’t damage your awning. 

Is it safe to use holiday décor on my retractable awning?

 Again, we do recommend that you opt for lightweight décor to ensure that you don’t damage your awning. Garlands, wreaths, ribbons, bows, stockings, and even holiday figurines can add some festive holiday cheer to your home’s retractable awning. Just be sure that your décor can withstand outdoor conditions and is secured safely to your awning. 

If a beautiful and affordable retractable awning is on your Wishlist this year, you can count on the quality and customer service of Authority Home Solutions. For over 10 years we have been providing Ocala, the Villages, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas with elegant, practical, and affordable awnings that extend outdoor spaces. Contact us today for a free estimate. We are ready to help you make your winter wishes come true!

Unexpected Florida Weather

Have you noticced the weather is changing here in Florida? Don't be caught outside in the blazing sun, enjoy a SunSetter Retractable Awning. You never know what to expect with the weather, so have peace of mind with a wind sensor that automatically retracts your awning in to protect it from wind damage.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to purchase a SunSetter retractable awning. Or if you are a current SunSetter awning customer and would like to purchase a windsensor, you can reach us at (352)351-3642.

The Villages Community, Central Florida Awning Company

Need help finding the perfect retractable awning model for your home. Discover all the features, sizes, fabric choices and more.

Learn why life is better under a SunSetter Retractable Awning in Central Florida. Are you located in The Villages Community, On Top of the World, Stone Creek, and other retirement communities? We are your local authorized awning dealer servicing your area for 14+ years.

Contact us today! (352)351-3642

Roof Mount Retractable Awning Installation

Authority Home Solutions an authorized SunSetter dealer has trained installers to do the most appropriate installation of a retractable awning. Not enough wall space, no problem we can mount your awning on the roof covered by a hood for protection. Ask about how we can install an awning on your manufactured home as well. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, (352)351-3642.

Stationary Awnings

Just another day in The Villages community providing shade for our customers. Did you know we offer stationary window awnings along with retractable awnings to match? Contact us today (352) 351-3642

Central Florida SunSetter Awnings

Another beautiful day in Central Florida. Authority Home Solutions is staying busy installing SunSetter Retractable awnings in Ocala, The Villages and surrounding areas. Contact us today to find out how you can provide shade for your deck, patio, and home. (352)351-3642

Retractable Awning Inside Screen Lanai

Beautiful retractable motorized awning installed in The Villages Community. Authority Home Solutions is a dealer for SunSetter, Americas #1 best selling awning.

Many of central Florida have enclosed patios and looking for shade. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to provide yourself with shade, (352)351-3642.

Why is SunSetter the Best Choice for Your Home?

At Authority Home Solutions, we proudly provide our customers with SunSetter products for their homes. Why should you choose a SunSetter awning or EasyShades for your own home? Not only is SunSetter the largest manufacturer of both motorized and manual retractable awnings, but they are also America’s #1 best-selling awning. Retractable awning and EasyShades owners rave about the quality, durability, and ease of using these products. We think you will too!   

SunSetter’s Features and Mission 

SunSetter is committed to providing high-quality awnings and shades that are affordable, weather-resistant, and protect your home and family from over 99% of the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. SunSetter also strives to help its customers make more sustainable, energy-saving choices, by reducing energy consumption in their homes. That reduction in energy consumption reduces your carbon footprint and saves you money. Whether you are choosing EasyShades or a retractable awning you are sure to do both.  

SunSetter is made right here in the United States, specifically in Malden, Massachusetts. Since 1988, SunSetter has been on a mission to help homeowners lower their energy costs with beautiful and practical awnings and shades that come in a variety of models, styles, and colors. SunSetter has also been recommended by both Good Housekeeping and the Skin Cancer Foundation. With SunSetter you can have it all: an outdoor oasis, protection from the sun, cooler temperatures, and a stylish addition to your home. What a great investment!  

At Authority Home Solutions, we are on a mission to help homeowners love their outdoor spaces, save money, and protect their families and guests. That is why we are a proud SunSetter provider. We only carry the best products, and also offer superior customer service and installation. For over 10 years we have been providing Ocala, The Villages, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas with elegant, functional, and affordable retractable awnings that extend outdoor spaces with style. We also offer storm protection and EasyShades for your home as well. Contact us today for a free estimate.