Updating your window coverings completely transforms the look of tired rooms, but did you know they can also enhance energy efficiency?! In today’s world, where sustainability and energy efficiency are more important than ever, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to boost insulation and improve the thermal efficiency of their home. Shutters, often seen as a classic and stylish window treatment, offer significant benefits beyond aesthetics.
Shutters can also help regulate temperature by providing insulation, reducing heat loss in the winter and keeping out heat in the summer. Let’s take a deeper look into how shutters can enhance your home’s energy efficiency and overall value.
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The role of shutters in energy efficiency
Do shutters improve your home’s energy efficiency? Yes. Unlike thin blinds, shutters provide a more substantial barrier to insulate your windows and protect against the elements. When closed, they help to insulate your windows, reducing heat loss in the winter and minimising UV rays in summer to keep your home cooler. This improves the passive solar design of your home, creating a more comfortable living environment and also achieving significant savings on your energy bills. It also helps reduce your overall carbon footprint.
For example, plantation shutters made from materials like wood or composite provide excellent insulation. The natural properties of wood are particularly effective at blocking heat and cold, while composite materials like polyvinyl add durability and are moisture resistant. Polyvinyl shutters, in particular, are an excellent choice for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, where they can help maintain a consistent temperature while withstanding the challenges of moisture and heat.
Shutters as an investment in home value
Beyond energy savings, shutters add considerable value to your home. High-quality shutters are a permanent fixture that potential buyers see as an upgrade. They enhance the overall appeal of your property. Unlike other window treatments that may need to be replaced over time, shutters are built to last. They offer durability and timeless style that can significantly increase your home’s resale value. Best of all, shutters look just as great inside your home as they do from outside — enhancing your home’s street appeal.
Shutters like those made from EliteWood or Southern Classic Basswood are particularly desirable for their craftsmanship and longevity. These shutters provide aesthetic appeal and contribute to your home’s structural integrity by offering additional insulation and protection against external elements. The investment in shutters, therefore, pays off not just in daily comfort and energy savings but also in the long-term value of your home.
The environmental impact of choosing shutters
Shutters are also one of the more eco-friendly window covering solutions. As well as improving your home’s energy efficiency, and therefore reducing your reliance on air-conditioning and heating, there are additional benefits to shutters.
Why shutters are the environmentally conscious window covering solution:
- Durability and longevity: shutters are typically made from durable materials that have a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements which minimises waste and reduces the reliance on new resources for additional manufacturing
- Sustainable materials: many shutters are made from sustainable or recycled materials, making them a more environmentally responsible choice. For example, some shutters are made from recycled wood and plastic composites while wood shutters can be made from sustainably sourced timbers
- Energy efficiency: by minimising heat loss and reducing the need for air conditioning, shutters can lower energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable home.
These energy savings achieved by shutters and their longevity make them a greener choice, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Customisation for optimal performance
One of the main benefits of shutters is that they are custom made to fit your window perfectly. So whether you have bay windows, arch windows or any other window shape, shutters can be tailored to fit your windows perfectly. This ensures they provide the best possible insulation and light control. You can also customise your fit by choosing between inside mount or outside mount. Inside mount offers a sleek, integrated look, making this the preferred choice in modern homes. On the other hand, an outside mount shutter can make your windows appear larger. They can also hide unsightly widows, making them an ideal choice in older homes with dated windows.
The choice of louver size also plays a role in energy efficiency. Larger louvers allow more light to enter the room, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day, while smaller louvers provide greater privacy and control over light and temperature. By selecting the right combination of material, mounting, and louver size, you can create a shutter solution that enhances your home’s energy efficiency without sacrificing style.
Shutters and smart home integration
You might think a downside to shutters is that you can’t automate them. Well, think again! Continual advancement in manufacturing and smart home technology means you can seamlessly integrate automated plantation shutters and roller shutters into your home automation system.
You can control motorised shutters via smartphone apps or voice-activated devices, allowing you to adjust your window treatments remotely. This feature is not only convenient but also enhances energy efficiency by allowing you to control light and temperature settings even when you’re not at home.
Imagine being able to close your shutters during the hottest part of the day to keep your home cool, or opening them in the morning to let in natural light — all with a simple command or swipe on your phone. This level of control helps to optimise your home’s energy use, further reducing costs and contributing to a greener lifestyle.
Aesthetic and practical benefits combined
While the practical benefits of shutters are clear, it’s important not to overlook their aesthetic appeal. Shutters give your space a clean, sophisticated look and you can customise them to match any décor, from traditional to contemporary. The variety of materials, finishes, and colours available means that you can find the perfect shutters to complement your home’s style.
Whether you choose the classic elegance of wood, the modern durability of polyvinyl, or the rustic charm of distressed shutters, each option brings its own unique character to your space. The ability to adjust the louvers for precise light control also allows you to create the perfect ambiance in any room, enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of your home.
We hope this article has helped dispel some myths around shutters and helped you make an informed choice when selecting window coverings. Shutters are one of our favourite window treatments, regularly featuring in the stunning home tours we showcase, and this isn’t just because of their good looks. Longevity, durability, energy efficiency and customisation are some of the key benefits of shutters which can improve comfort and offer long-term savings. If you have any questions about shutters, leave a comment for us below.
