Heat-Stopping Shutters and Other Ways To Cool Down Your Home

June 05, 2017

Summer is creeping up fast in Dover. And though a lot of people were longing for summer weather way back in January, some may not be ready for the heat of summer.

But you shouldn’t sweat it, Sunburst Shutters Delaware has your back with a few tips to get you ready to beat the heat when the thermostat’s on the fritz, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to make your AC unit work more efficiently.

Interior Shutters Keep You Cool

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

The numbers are in: Polywood® plantation shutters have been proven to block up to 45% of the thermal energy that comes in through your windows. In some cases, that can mean up to a 30° temperature difference! Keep the shutters shut during the day to keep out sunlight and heat, then let them open up at night to let the cooler evening air move through your house.

Modern parlor with casement shutters

Bear in mind that energy efficiency isn’t just a benefit during the summer months. If you’re asking the same questions about how to survive the cold once winter comes, plantation shutters may be your best match.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

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

Check to see that your air conditioning ducts are sealed and insulated properly. In addition, change out your air filter every month to keep your system in peak performing shape.
Don’t use inefficient incandescent light bulbs. With LED bulbs or CFL lamps, you can reduce the heat emitted by your light bulbs without giving up brightness.
If some of your appliances are pretty old, think about swapping them out with newer, more efficient updates. Certain appliances like your stove, water heater, and furnace make up a good chunk of the heat your home generates.

Other Ways To Stay Cool During The Dover Summer Heat

Although these smaller projects might not drastically improve energy efficiency in your home, they still let you keep your home cool when the mercury starts climbing:

Make sure your ceiling fans are going counter-clockwise, so they move cold air downward. If your fans are turning clockwise, look for a small switch on the fan itself that alternates the blades’ direction.

Dover sunroom with fan and shutters

Think about running a dehumidifier, especially in the room or two are used the most during the day. Decreased humidity makes it easier for your AC unit to keep your home cool, and dryer air is cooler on the skin.
If your home has many south-facing windows that don’t have any shutters covering them, think about installing an awning or canopy to prevent the unyielding summer sun from beating down on them.

Call Sunburst To Help You Beat The Heat

We’ve been helping Delawareans treat their windows for years, so we know a little bit about what it takes to stay cool during the summer. To last through the season without a sweat, give us a ring at 301-835-1611 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Working together we can beat the heat and enjoy the Dover summer.

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