Tired of spending so much money on your energy bills? You’re not alone. Here in California, residents spend an average of $2,520 per year on their electric bills. That’s 17% higher than the national average.
And every year it just keeps getting more expensive with no end in sight. In fact, it is estimated that over the next 25 years, California residents will spend an average of $110,700 on electricity!
So finding ways to save on your electric bill should become a priority if you’d like to keep a significant portion of that cash. But how?
We suggest installing energy-efficient interior window shutters or other energy efficient window coverings. Curious how they can help? Read on to learn more!
Understanding Energy Efficiency
What is Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency refers to the use of technology and practices that reduce the amount of energy required to power homes, buildings, and devices. In the context of window treatments, energy efficiency means using products and materials that minimize heat transfer, reduce solar heat gain, and maximize natural light. By choosing energy-efficient window treatments, homeowners can save energy, lower their energy bills, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
When it comes to windows, energy-efficient treatments like interior shutters play a crucial role. They help in reducing the amount of heat that escapes during the winter and the amount of heat that enters during the summer. This not only keeps your home comfortable year-round but also significantly cuts down on your energy bills. Imagine a home where the air conditioner and heater don’t have to work overtime, thanks to the smart choice of window coverings. That’s the power of energy efficiency!
Energy Loss Through Windows
With all the attention that energy efficiency has gotten in recent years, most modern homes are buttoned up pretty tight. Insulation in the roof and walls as well as double-paned windows help to reduce the amount of heat exchange between the indoors and out.
However, even with those double panes, windows are still the weak point. As much as 50% of your home’s heating and cooling energy escapes through the windows. Proper window insulation, such as using exterior shutters, can significantly reduce heat loss and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Since space heating and cooling account for approximately 53% of your energy bill, savings in this area will have a huge effect on your bill!
How Interior Window Shutters Help With Energy Efficiency
So how do interior window shutters help with energy savings? They help insulate your home and drastically reduce heat exchange through your windows.
Shutters can also mitigate the effects of direct sunlight, which can cause significant heat gain during the summer months. By closing shutters, you can block out direct sunlight and keep your home cooler.
And they do this in more ways than one. Check this out.
Tightly Sealed to the Window
One of the biggest ways plantation shutters help to reduce heat exchange is by adding a layer of insulation. Custom shutters are made to perfectly fit each window, precisely enough to form a seal and help prevent drafts.
Once you have window shutters installed, you are taking advantage of this feature. So when the hot summer sun is beating straight through your windows and heating up your home, your shutters will block part of those rays.
This will keep a considerable amount of the heat out and your air conditioner will not have to work overtime to keep your home cool.
Louvers Can Be Open or Closed
Additionally, the louvers on your plantation shutters can be opened or closed. Closing the louvers affords the most protection against heat exchange. (Plus it’s nice for privacy at night when you don’t want passersby looking into your home).
Opening or closing the louvers is simply a matter of grabbing the stick and moving it up or down. Thus, it only takes a couple of seconds to close the louvers against the intense rays of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
You would be amazed at how much of a difference it makes!
Wood Is a Natural Insulator
Why are shutters so effective? One big reason is that wood is a natural insulator. Here at Shuttermart, we offer a couple of different materials for window shutters.
We know that many people love the wood look, though our sunny, humid climate can sometimes wreak havoc with wood building materials. But with over 7 decades in the business, we’ve found the perfect solution.
We offer two types of hardwood shutters. The first is beautiful basswood shutters that are crafted with kiln-dried woods, specially treated to withstand moisture and the intense rays of the sun.
The other type is our polyclad shutters which feature a hardwood core with a polyvinyl surface over the top. This surface protects the wood from scratches and fading and offers beautiful hardwood shutters without the maintenance typically associated with wood products.
Energy-Efficient Interior Shutter Styles
Polywood Shutter Insulating System
The Polywood Shutter Insulating System is a cutting-edge technology that provides unparalleled energy efficiency in interior shutters. This system features a unique design that traps air and reduces heat transfer, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to minimize energy loss and gain. With a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.17, the Polywood Shutter Insulating System is one of the most energy-efficient interior shutter styles available. By installing these shutters, homeowners can enjoy significant reductions in energy bills and a more comfortable living space.
What sets the Polywood Shutter Insulating System apart is its ability to act as a barrier against both heat gain and heat loss. During the hot summer months, these shutters help in reducing solar heat gain, keeping your home cooler and reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. In the winter, they prevent heat from escaping, ensuring your home stays warm and cozy without over-relying on your heating system. This dual functionality makes them a smart investment for any homeowner looking to save energy and reduce their energy bills.
Choosing the Right Energy-Efficient Interior Shutters
Factors to Consider
When selecting energy-efficient interior shutters, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Light Control: Look for shutters that offer adjustable light control, allowing you to maximize natural light during the day and minimize heat gain during the summer months. This flexibility helps in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment while saving on cooling energy.
- Insulation: Choose shutters with a high insulation value, such as the Polywood Shutter Insulating System, to minimize heat transfer and reduce energy loss. Effective insulation is crucial for maintaining a stable indoor temperature and reducing the workload on your HVAC system.
- Material: Select shutters made from energy-efficient materials, such as polywood or vinyl, which are designed to reduce heat gain and minimize energy loss. These materials are not only durable but also excellent at providing the necessary insulation.
- Style: Consider the style of your home and choose shutters that complement its architecture. Functional shutters, such as panel shutters or louver shutters, can provide additional energy efficiency benefits while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home.
- Certifications: Look for shutters that meet energy efficiency standards, such as those set by the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC). Certified products ensure that you are getting a high-quality, energy-efficient solution.
- Warranty: Choose a reputable manufacturer that offers a comprehensive warranty and dedicated customer support. A good warranty provides peace of mind and ensures that your investment is protected.
By considering these factors, homeowners can select energy-efficient interior shutters that meet their needs and provide long-term energy savings. The right choice of shutters can make a significant difference in your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and overall aesthetic.
Energy Efficiency Tax Credit
We’re excited to announce that our polyclad shutter product is so effective at reducing energy exchange that it has qualified for a federal tax credit!
When you purchase our ShutterSmart EnergyGuard Shutter Insulation System, you can qualify for a shutter tax credit equalling 30% of the cost of the shutters (up to a maximum of $1,200). So you start saving money right off the bat when you go to purchase your new shutters!
It is difficult for a product to qualify for this tax credit as the standards are high. Yet our polyclad shutters passed the tests with ease. They exceed both the U factor and SHGC requirements demanded by the Federal Energy Tax Credit.
During trials, it was found that the shutters reduce heat loss through windows by as much as 66%! Closing your ShutterSmart shutters will keep your home nice and cozy during the winter and at night with less help from your heating system.
Now, that’s something you can get excited about!
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Interior Shutters from Shuttermart
But improving your home’s energy efficiency isn’t the only thing plantation window shutters are good for. There are several benefits of installing this product in your home. Let’s take a look.
Added Security/Privacy
You can never be too careful these days as you never know what can happen.
Closing plantation shutters at night has the added benefit of helping to keep your home more secure. Thieves are less likely to break in because they can’t see into your home, plus there is a little added physical barrier.
Even if you’re not overly concerned about security, it’s nice to keep passersby from looking in your windows. Your home is your oasis and your family deserves their privacy.
The louver design also allows you to partially close your shutters during the day. This means you can let natural light into your home without having the windows completely open — not an option you can get with drapes or curtains.
Full Light Control
Following that thought, you also have full control over how much light is coming in. You can open the louvers all the way if you want to let in lots of sunshine or you can leave them at any point between open and closed.
Being able to change the angle of the light is also helpful in certain situations.
Custom Fit
Windows come in all shapes and sizes. If you have unusually-shaped windows in your home, you may have had trouble with ill-fitting window treatments in the past.
When you order plantation shutters from Shuttermart, you can kiss those problems goodbye. Before we do anything else, we first visit your home to measure your windows. Then, we craft each window shutter exactly to the specifications of each window.
With this precise custom fit, you don’t have to worry about window treatments that fit weirdly or don’t fit at all!
Low Maintenance
People these days are going a mile a minute. Thus the last thing many homeowners want to do is add another thing to their neverending list of home maintenance tasks.
So while some people look at plantation shutters and see beauty, others look and see a cleaning nightmare.
But we’re happy to report that the unique design of plantation shutters (and the materials used) makes them super easy to clean. A quick swipe with a feather duster is all you need most of the time. For cooking grime in the kitchen (or sticky little fingers) a damp cloth should do the trick.
So you can enjoy your beautiful window treatments without enjoying added hours of cleaning.
Ready for Your Energy-Efficient Plantation Shutters?
There’s never been a better time to install energy-efficient window shutters in your home. Now that you can take advantage of the shutter tax credit, you’ll start saving money from day one. The drop in your energy bill will be a welcome relief as well!
So, how do you get started even if you know nothing about window shutters?
Reach out to us here at Shuttermart. We are a family-owned and operated company and we have been serving the greater San Diego area for over 70 years!
In all that time, we’ve figured out what people both want and need in window shutters and we provide it. No stress, no mess!
We’ll help you every step of the way from choosing the style of your shutters to cleaning up after installation. Most jobs only take a few weeks from start to finish so in a short while you could be enjoying your lovely new plantation shutters.
Contact us today to get started!
FAQs
How can interior window shutters help reduce energy bills?
Interior window shutters help reduce energy bills by providing an extra layer of insulation, which minimizes heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer. Their tightly fitted design prevents drafts, keeping your home’s temperature stable and reducing the need for heating or cooling.
What is the energy efficiency tax credit for shutters?
The ShutterSmart EnergyGuard Shutter Insulation System qualifies for a federal energy efficiency tax credit. You can get a credit of 30% of the shutter cost, up to $1,200, for purchasing shutters that meet federal energy efficiency standards.
Why are wood shutters effective for energy savings?
Wood shutters are effective for energy savings because wood is a natural insulator. They help reduce heat exchange through windows, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
How do custom-fitted shutters improve energy efficiency?
Custom-fitted shutters are designed to fit precisely over windows, creating a seal that minimizes drafts and reduces heat loss or gain. This helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, improving overall energy efficiency.
Are shutters better than curtains for light control and insulation?
Yes, shutters offer better light control and insulation than curtains. You can adjust the louvers for precise light management and close them completely to improve insulation, reducing energy costs more effectively than curtains.