Why Wood Shutters Can Reduce Your Cooling and Heating Bills
Would you like to know how wood shutters can lower the costs of heating and cooling your home? While today many may think of shutters are decorative, originally they were used to moderate the effects of the weather outside. Just as we now use ceiling fans to reduce what we spend on electricity, we can use shutters to lower our utility bills.
Shutters and ceiling fans became less essential because of the introduction of heating and air conditioning. Just as ceiling fans made a comeback to save energy, it would be wise to start using shutters again to save money by moderating temperatures in our homes.
Stand near a window when the sun is shining on it and touch it with your hand. No matter how cold it is outside that window will be extremely warm. On cold days and especially when the wind is blowing directly on your windows, the area near them will be colder than other areas.
By opening and closing shutters you can block out the heat of the sun during the summer and cold winds during the winter. You don’t even have to do this every day. You can leave some shutters closed some times of the year. In the summer, close the shutters on the windows where the rising or setting sun shines most directly. In the winter, close the shutters on the windows where the north wind blows strongest or when storms are expected.
Shutters protect your carpeting, flooring, draperies and furniture by blocking the damage caused by sunlight. Carpets are commonly made from olefin, wood, and nylon and all of these have poor resistance to sunlight. Although polyester has good sunlight resistance, even it is damaged by the sun.
Draperies deteriorate continually when exposed to sunlight. Dark and bright colors fade and streak faster and eventually the fabrics dry rot. Even though acrylic and polyster hold up better than cotton, rayon and acetate, all are damaged by exposure to the sun.
The upholstery of your furniture is not the only thing affected. Leather furniture is especially susceptible to sun damage, colors fade and even wood dries out. Whenever possible, position furniture where direct sunlight does not fall on it. If that isn’t possible, shield it from the sun by closing your shutters.
Wood shutters benefit you by lowering your heating and cooling costs and protecting the money you spend on furniture, draperies, carpeting and flooring in your home. Did you know you can get better quality wood shutters by buying directly from the manufacturer? They can be challenging to find so we are sharing links to those we were able to locate in our Pricing Exterior Shutters Hubpage. There are some great photos of installed shutters identified by type in our photo slideshow there so you can see which shutter styles you prefer.
Save money and buy better quality Wood Shutters by buying directly from the manufacturer. Manufacturers can be difficult to find so go to Frank Wright’s Hubpage for more information and where to buy Exterior Wooden Shutters. Don’t miss the beautiful photograph slide show there.