Heat-Reducing Shutters and Other Tips To Cool Down Your Home

June 05, 2017

Summer’s just around the bend. And while lots of people were begging for summer to get here way back in January, some might not be ready for the heat that summer brings.

But there’s no need to sweat it, Sunburst Shutters Charlotte has your back with a few pointers to help you stay comfortable when the thermostat’s on the fritz, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to make your AC unit work more efficiently.

Interior Shutters Block Summer Heat

The path most of that sweaty summer heat takes to get into your home is through your windows. By installing window treatments designed to block temperature flow, such as plantation shutters, you can greatly reduce the ambient temperature in your house this summer. Just take a look!

The numbers are in: Polywood® plantation shutters have been proven to block almost 50% of the thermal energy that can move through the windows. In some homes, that can mean up to a 30° temperature difference! Make sure your shutters are shut during the daytime to block the heat and sunlight, then open them at night to let the cooler night air move through your home.

Chic sunroom with interior shutters

Keep in mind that energy efficiency isn’t just a boon during the summer months. If you’re having the same talk about how to survive the cold once winter is here, plantation shutters could be your best solution.

Up Your Energy Efficiency

Great window treatments like shutters can improve your energy efficiency, but there’s more room for improvement. By doing any or all of the following smaller projects, you can decrease energy waste, which can lead to higher temperatures indoors:

Make sure all your air conditioning ducts are properly sealed and insulated. In addition, change out your air filter every month to keep your system in great performing shape.
Toss out your old wasteful incandescent light bulbs. With LED bulbs or CFL lamps, you’ll reduce the heat emitted by your light bulbs without reducing brightness.
If some of your appliances are several years old, consider replacing them with newer, more efficient updates. Some appliances such as your stove, water heater, and furnace make up a large chunk of the heat your home generates.

Other Ways To Remain Cool During The Charlotte Heat

Although these smaller projects might not dramatically increase your house’s energy efficiency, they can still keep your home cool as the mercury rises:

Make sure your ceiling fans are going counter-clockwise, so that the cold air is pushed downward. If your fans are turning clockwise, find the small switch on the fan’s body that reverses the direction.

Charlotte sunroom with fan and shutters

Consider running a dehumidifier, particularly in areas that you spend the most time in your home. Lower air humidity means it’s easier for your AC to keep your home cool, and dryer air is cooler on the skin.
For homes that have a lot of south-facing windows that don’t have shutters on them, consider putting up an awning or canopy to block the ever-present summer sun from pouring down on them.

Let Sunburst Help You Beat The Heat

Sunburst has helped North Carolinians treat their windows for years, so we’re familiar with how to keep comfortable at summertime. If you’d like to overcome the season without a sweat, give us a ring at 980-231-1116 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Together we can beat the heat and have a great Charlotte summer.

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