Window Shutters – An energy-saving choice

Inspiration

BY Lisa Cooper

Published: 31 May 2022 Updated: 21 May 2024

Inspiration
Tags: Shutters, Blinds, Buying guides

Energy efficiency

With high heating costs and energy bills, fluctuating fuel prices and increased living costs many people are reviewing ways to improve energy efficiency in their home. When it comes to home decor and window treatments, shutters have long been a popular choice for their timeless elegance and versatility. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, shutters also offer excellent energy-efficient features that can contribute to a greener and more sustainable lifestyle. In this comprehensive buying guide, we'll explore the various shutter styles, including Full Height, Cafe, Tracked Door, Tier on Tier, and Solid shutters, and delve into the ways they can enhance the energy efficiency of your home.

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Shutters are a superbly effective way of adding insulation to your windows, and the solid design of shutters provides a more effective solution than most blinds. When fully closed, they will trap the warm air in the room where you need it most and also stop cold draughts from entering your room and cooling it down.

According to studies by English Heritage* well-fitting shutters can reduce heat loss by up to 62%, and that's an awful lot of wasted warmth, not to mention money, that's potentially just draining out through your windows the whole winter long. The percentage loss will differ dependant on what type of shutter you choose, plus whether you have double glazed windows or single glazed windows and the U value of the window, but savings can be made whatever style suits you and your room.

What are the choices with window shutters?

Different styles of shutters offer other benefits aside from their energy savings so it's important to consider these factors as much as you consider their ability to reduce heat loss. After all, shutters are as much for the warmer summer months as they are for winter, and they're an investment purchase, albeit one that helps with saving money on heating bills as well as adding to the value of your home.

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Full height shutters cover the entire window, providing maximum light control and privacy. These shutters are built with slats that can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight and heat entering the room. When closed, they act as an insulating barrier, preventing cold drafts during winter and blocking excessive heat in the summer. This results in reduced reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems, leading to energy savings.

Cafe shutters cover only the lower half of the window, leaving the top portion unobstructed. They offer privacy without sacrificing natural light, making them ideal for street-facing rooms. By covering only the lower part, cafe shutters can still provide some insulation benefits, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling and in the summer months they actually benefit from heat gain. This energy-saving feature is perfect for eco-conscious homeowners.

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For sliding glass doors or French doors, tracked shutters are an excellent choice. These shutters slide on tracks, allowing easy access to the door while being an energy efficient solution. The insulating properties of tracked door shutters help maintain indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption, especially in areas with extreme climates.

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Tier on tier shutters consist of two sets of independently adjustable panels, allowing you to open the top set while keeping the bottom set closed or vice versa. This level of control enhances energy efficiency, as you can adjust the shutters based on the direction of sunlight and outdoor temperatures. During colder months, close both tiers for improved insulation, and during summer, open the top tier to allow natural ventilation without compromising privacy.

Solid shutters are crafted from thick, sturdy panels that provide the highest level of insulation and privacy. When closed, they create a complete seal over the window, effectively blocking out light, noise, and temperature fluctuations. The exceptional insulation properties of solid shutters help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy consumption and utility costs.

Maximum heat retention can be achieved with solid shutters, with the biggest insulation impact of all shutter styles, due to the solid design that incorporates no louvres, making them the highest-ranking energy efficient shutter. Because our bespoke shutters are crafted for a precision fit at your individual windows, there will be no gaps around the edges for draughts to get in, nor heat to get out, one of the numerous benefits of bespoke buying.

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If you have shutters, you’ll already be seeing a reduction in heat loss, but if you want to increase that efficiency, then take a look layering.

Layering is the ideal way to create a bespoke window finish, but there’s far more to the benefits it brings than just a beautiful look – though it certainly ticks that box too. Layering brings heightened levels of insulation, both in terms of heat and also in noise. Layering offers flexibility for all times of day and seasons and affords you maximum control of the light at your window, through a combination of shutters and blinds.

Conclusion

Incorporating shutters into your home not only adds a touch of timeless elegance but also contributes to a lifestyle that's more energy efficient and sustainable. Whether you choose full height, cafe, tracked door, tier on tier, or solid shutters, each style offers unique energy-saving benefits that can make a significant difference in your home's comfort and eco-friendliness. By maximising natural light, minimising temperature fluctuations, and providing enhanced insulation, shutters prove to be an eco-chic energy efficient window dressing for the modern homeowner. Embrace the beauty of shutters while reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying the many advantages of an energy-efficient home.

*https://historicengland.org.uk/research/results/reports/7273/ResearchintotheThermalPerformanceofTraditionalWindows_Timbersashwindows