An assessment of the effect of external window shading on heating and cooling loads in buildings in Iraq

External shading devices are critical for improving the energy performance of buildings, particularly in hot climates. Effective design must allow beneficial solar gains during winter while minimizing heat ingress in summer. This study systematically evaluates overhangs, left fins, and right fins on windows with varying orientations in Erbil, Iraq, using the hourly analysis program to quantify solar radiation reduction and corresponding energy savings. Results indicate that overhangs are most effective for south facing windows, left fins for east facing windows, and right fins for west facing windows, whereas north facing windows have minimal effect from shading. Peak solar radiation occurs in summer, yielding energy savings of 0% for north facing, 19.21% for south facing, 25.19% for east facing, and 16.93% for west facing windows. The study recommends overhangs for south facing, right fins for west facing, and left fins for east facing windows, highlighting the importance of orientation specific shading strategies to reduce cooling loads and enhance overall building energy performance.