Many people are looking for ways to make their homes more energy-efficient. Energy-efficiency is better for the environment and can help reduce your utility bills. You might be surprised to learn that energy loss from windows is believed to be the reason for more than 25% of a homeowner’s heating and cooling costs.
Installing energy-efficient windows, such as double-paned windows or windows with modern energy saving technologies, can potentially make a real difference for your pocketbook. Having an effective window treatment can also play a role in the energy-efficiency of your home. Window treatments include coverings like blinds, drapes, curtains, shades, and shutters. While all window treatments will help in some way to reduce energy loss, some window treatments are better at this than others. Plantation shutters, in particular, are well-known for their energy saving qualities.
Why Are Plantation Shutters So Energy-Efficient?
There are a couple of reasons why plantation shutters are so good at saving energy. Plantation shutters are meant to form a kind of seal against your window. The way that they are installed helps to reduce air loss or air gain. When the louvers (the horizontal slats of the shutter) are closed, they provide an extra source of insulation. When they’re open on a sunny day in the winter, for instance, they can let in a little more warmth. Plantation shutters are also much sturdier than other window treatments. The thickness of plantation shutters further serves as a strong barrier against energy loss.
Wood Is An Energy-Efficient Material
The material of the plantation shutters matters, too. Hardwood plantation shutters are especially energy-efficient. This is because wood is such a strong and durable material. According to the American Forest Foundation, the cellular structure of wood includes air pockets. Air is an insulator and these air pockets help to reduce heat conductivity.
Wood is also better for the environment than other materials, especially plastics.
Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient
Installing hardwood plantation shutters on your windows is a great first step when it comes to creating a more energy-efficient home. Plantation shutters will keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. You can use plantation shutters all by themselves or you can add curtains, draperies, and valances for a dramatic design statement. The fabrics will provide another layer of insulation.
Check Your Windows and Doors
Of course, there are still other actions that you can take to increase the energy-efficiency of your home. Adding weatherstripping to your windows and doors can provide its own seal against the air coming in and out of your home. Weather strips wear out over time, so it’s important to examine yours every winter or summer, when extreme temperatures tend to hit.
Examine Your Water Usage
While it can be tempting to wash clothing in small batches or take many baths, your water usage plays a major role in the energy-efficiency of your home. Consolidating your water use and using less water are two ways to potentially reduce your water bills.
Look at Your Lighting
Certain light bulbs are more energy-efficient than others. If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, try switching to another bulb, such as halogen or LED. These bulbs are more energy-efficient and might help you lower your electricity bill. Plus, the Department of Energy has been slowly phasing out incandescent light bulbs for years.
Adjust the Thermostat
Many people leave their thermostat at the same temperature even when they’re out of the house. Instead, adjust your thermostat before you leave home for the day. Lowering your thermostat at least 10 degrees during the winter and raising it at least 10 degrees during the summer can potentially result in huge savings.
Install Plantation Shutters from Shenandoah Shutters
Plantation shutters are the clear choice for a more energy-efficient home. For more than thirty years, Shenandoah Shutters has been handcrafting custom made, hardwood plantation shutters for Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. We use only the finest American hardwoods to manufacture solid, elegant plantation shutters for every window of your home.
Shenandoah Shutters is located in Richmond, Virginia, no more than a day’s drive away from all of our service areas. We cut plantation shutters for windows of any size or shape. We can even install plantation shutters on French or sliding glass doors, as well as sunbursts and arches.
We offer a variety of contemporary and traditional choices for plantation shutters, including our own, patented Softedge design. You can also choose from custom colors, creams, and stains to craft just the right look for your home.
Schedule an Appointment for Your Plantation Shutters
Contact Shenandoah Shutters online today for a free estimate and consultation! You can also give us a call at 1-800-733-1549. Check out some of our past projects by exploring our photo gallery.
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CALL US: 1-800-733-1549