Energy-Efficient Shutters for Modern Homes

Energy-efficient shutters are a smart way for homeowners to save money. They help control energy use, keep homes at a nice temperature, and lower utility bills. By blocking the sun’s rays and providing an extra layer of insulation, these shutters look good and work well in any home. This guide looks at how energy-efficient shutters can provide significant energy savings, especially during the colder months.

Modern Kitchen with Energy-Efficient Shutters and Natural Light

What Are Energy-Efficient Shutters?

Energy-efficient shutters are a type of window covering. They help keep your home warm in the winter months. They also reduce the heat from direct sunlight during summer. Unlike regular window coverings like roller blinds or Venetian blinds, shutters fit more snugly. This means they offer better insulation.

Key Features of Energy-Efficient Shutters:

• Extra Layer of Insulation: It helps protect against cold drafts and stops heat loss.
• Solar Shading: It limits the sun’s rays to keep your space from getting too hot.
• Variety of Materials: You can choose from wooden shutters, faux wood, or composite materials.

How Shutters Help with Energy Savings

Windows can cause a lot of energy loss in homes. Single glazing, especially, lets out too much heat. This raises energy costs during the winter. Homeowners can solve this by installing energy-efficient shutters. This helps keep the warmth in and reduces energy use.

Key Benefits:

• Less Heat Loss: Shutters keep warm air inside, stopping it from leaving through windows.
• Temperature Control: They help control indoor temperatures by reflecting free solar energy in the summer and keeping heat in during winter.
• Lower Utility Bills: This again reduces the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home.

Why Are Energy Prices Rising?

Rising energy prices worry many UK households. Climate change and higher demand cause changes in the energy market. The UK Government says one of the best ways to handle these higher costs is to improve energy efficiency in homes. Energy-efficient shutters help by cutting down on the need for heating and cooling systems.

Types of Energy-Efficient Shutters

1. Plantation Shutters

• Customisation: Available in styles such as full height, café style, tier-on-tier, tracked, shaped, and solid panels. You can choose any RAL colour to match your interior décor.
• Energy Efficiency: Designed to retain heat during winter and keep interiors cool in summer, helping with your home’s energy performance.
• Durability: Built to last, these shutters come with a 10-year warranty.
• Low Maintenance: Require minimal upkeep, staying clean with just a simple wipe-down.
• Privacy and Security: Offer excellent light control and privacy, contributing to better home security.

2. Faux Wood

• Energy Efficiency: These shutters help retain heat during colder months and keep interiors cool in warmer seasons, enhancing your home’s energy efficiency.
• Durability: Constructed from solid composite materials reinforced with an aluminium core, they are resistant to warping, peeling, and flaking, ensuring longevity.
• Waterproof: Completely waterproof, making them suitable for any room, including kitchens and bathrooms.
• Fire Resistance: Class-A product with a fire resistance limit of over 3 hours, improving home safety.
• Customisation: Available in standard white or any RAL colour to match your interior décor.
• Low Maintenance: Require only a simple wipe-down to keep them clean.

3. Hardwood Shutters

• Customisation: Choose from various frames, louvres, tilt and hinge options, and colours, including any RAL colour, to match your interior décor.
• Energy Efficiency: Designed to help keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
• Durability: Backed by a 10-year guarantee, ensuring longevity and peace of mind.
• Low Maintenance: Require only a simple wipe-down to keep clean.
• Timeless Appeal: Add character and style to any property with their classic design.

Cosy Living Room with Energy-Efficient Shutters on a Snowy Evening

Energy Savings Backed by Research

New research from the University of Salford’s Energy House Labs shows that energy-efficient shutters can make a big difference. They help cut down on heat loss and boost energy savings. This makes them a great choice for any home.

Key Findings:

• Shutters can reduce heat loss by as much as 50% when compared to windows without covers.
• Homes that have shutters feel fewer changes in temperature during extreme weather conditions.

Comparing Shutters to Other Window Treatments

Shutters vs Roller Blinds

• Shutters provide better insulation because they fit tightly and are made of thicker materials.

Shutters vs Honeycomb Blinds

• Honeycomb blinds offer a bit of insulation. However, shutters provide better energy savings because they are built to last.

Shutters vs Double Glazing

• For older properties with single glazing, shutters are a good option. They can help instead of moving to double glazing. This choice can lower the cost of energy improvements.

How to Choose the Right Energy-Efficient Shutters

When selecting shutters, consider these factors:

• Material: Wooden shutters are strong and last long. Composite materials resist moisture better.
• Home Type: Older properties can benefit from solid shutters. Modern homes often like plantation designs.
• Custom Fit: A professional fit gives you the best user experience and helps with insulation.

Emerald Windows & Doors provides a free home survey. This survey can help you choose the best shutters that fit your needs.

Cost-Saving Potential

How Much Can You Save?

Energy-efficient shutters help save money over time. They do this by lowering the amount of energy used for heating and cooling. For example:

• Homes with shutters can save as much as 20% on heating bills in the winter months.
• Shutters can block about 30% of unwanted heat in summer, which reduces cooling costs.

Installation and Maintenance

Professional Installation

Emerald Windows & Doors offers fitting services that ensure a perfect fit. This helps to avoid gaps that could make the shutters less effective.

Maintenance Tips:

• Dust the shutters often to keep them looking good and working well.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt or grime.
• Look for loose hinges or any damage to make sure they work properly.

Rustic Bedroom with Energy-Efficient Wooden Shutters

What Do You Need to Know About Energy-Efficient Shutters?

Energy-efficient shutters are a great way to cut energy costs and improve insulation in your home. In this FAQ, we answer the most common questions about their benefits, materials, installation, and maintenance, helping you make informed decisions for your property.

How do energy-efficient shutters reduce heat loss in winter?

Energy-efficient shutters reduce heat loss by acting as an insulating barrier. They fit tightly to your windows, trapping warm air inside and preventing cold drafts from entering. This helps keep your home warmer and lowers the need for excessive heating.

Are energy-efficient shutters suitable for older properties with single glazing?

Yes, energy-efficient shutters work well in older properties with single glazing. They provide an additional layer of insulation, reducing heat loss and making single-glazed windows more energy-efficient without the need for expensive replacements.

Can energy-efficient shutters help lower summer cooling costs?

Yes, shutters reduce summer cooling costs by blocking direct sunlight and minimising the heat gain from the sun’s rays. This allows your home to stay cooler, reducing reliance on air conditioning or fans.

What materials are best for energy-efficient shutters?

Popular materials include hardwood, faux wood, and composite materials. Hardwood offers durability and insulation, while faux wood is moisture-resistant and ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. Composite materials are strong and cost-effective, providing excellent energy-saving benefits.

How do I maintain my energy-efficient shutters?

Regularly dust your shutters with a soft cloth or vacuum attachment. Clean them with a damp cloth to remove dirt, and check for loose fittings or damage. Proper maintenance ensures they continue to provide effective insulation and last longer.

Why Choose Emerald Windows & Doors?

Emerald Windows & Doors focuses on making energy-efficient shutters for today’s homes. We are located in Swindon and also work in places like Bristol, Oxford, and Reading. Our team makes sure to provide superior insulation and a perfect fit for each customer.

Explore our Shutters Page to find out more. You can request a free home survey to start your energy-saving journey.

Take the Next Step Towards Energy Savings with Energy-Efficient Shutters

Energy-efficient shutters are a smart and trendy choice for lowering energy use and keeping your utility bills in check. They help keep your home at a comfortable temperature. You can find different styles and materials, and get them fitted just for your space. Shutters are a great investment for any homeowner. Contact Emerald Windows & Doors today to find out how these shutters can help your home.