Windows affect a lot more than just your home's aesthetic look. According to the Department of Energy, a third of the heat produced in your home is lost through the windows. Furthermore, if you are looking to lower your electricity bill, your focus should be on minimizing the energy lost through your window coverings. Did you know that installing shutters on your windows can help reduce the amount of energy you use to heat and cool your home? In this blog post, we'll take a look at three different ways that a shutter company can help lower your home energy usage.

1. Interior Shutter Installation

While outdoor shutters are common to see on many houses, there are lots of indoor varieties that are growing in popularity in the world of window treatments. These shutters are installed inside your home around the window frames. Apart from boosting insulation significantly, they also control the amount of sun that gets into your home.

During the summer months, when a lot of heat is radiating from the outside, you should close the shutters on the eastern or western windows in the morning and late in the evening. This will help to limit the amount of cool air that leaves your indoor space. Closing the shutters during these times will also prevent UV rays from coming into your home as well. This will, in turn, lower your cooling costs since your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to keep the indoor temperatures lower.

2. Exterior Shutter Services

If you have your shutters fitted by a professional shutter company, they can be one of the most effective window insulation solutions. Exterior shutters are extremely efficient when it comes to reducing thermal shock. They can decrease both heat gain and heat loss in your home, meaning that they work well in both the summer and the winter.

Exterior shutters are made from wood panels, which provide adequate insulation for your windows. By decreasing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the warmer months, shutters significantly lower the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your house. However, you can only enjoy these benefits if they are installed properly by a professional shutter company. The wrong-sized shutters won't do much to lower your energy costs.

3. Existing Window Covering Upgrades

When you work with a reputable shutter company, you can always ask about how to improve your existing window coverings. Sometimes a combination of a shutter exterior and curtain interior can be just the look you're looking for. A complete overhaul of your existing shutters may bring new life to your room. Either way, a shutter company is always happy to help you upgrade your existing window treatments.

Are shutters better at saving energy than other window treatments? The short answer is yes. It was found that different window coverings make different contributions to energy efficiency. According to Shade IT, Victorian and standard roller blinds can deliver a 28% and 22% reduction in heat loss, while curtains can only deliver a 14% reduction in heat loss. On the other hand, window shutters have been shown to reduce heat loss by 51%. Are you ready to take the first step to lower your energy bill with new shutters? Call AB Blinds today!