According to gov.uk, up to 18% of your home’s heat is lost through your windows. Losing some heat is inevitable in any house, but there are things you can do to reduce the amount of heat that is lost.
A study by Historic England showed that well-fitting shutters reduced heat loss through the window by 64%. Shutters are much more effective insulators than roller blinds, which reduced heat loss by 37%, and heavy curtains at 39%. Even honeycomb blinds – specifically created for insulating purposes – came in lower than the shutters at 60%.
What makes shutters so energy efficient?
When your shutters are closed (both panels and slats) they create an air pocket between your window and the room. This air pocket helps to insulate your room. In other words, it keeps cold out and heat in.
Improved insulation means your room stays warmer for longer. It means you won’t have to turn your heating on as often through the winter months. And during the summer months, your shutters block the heat from the sun. This means that by closing your shutters on very hot days, you can keep your rooms nice and cool – lessening your need for fans or air conditioning.
Our shutters are made to measure for your windows, so they’ll always fit perfectly. There won’t be any pesky gaps around the edges of your shutters, so less heat will escape through your windows.
What is the most insulating type of shutter?
If keeping your home warm throughout the winter is your only goal, we recommend solid shutters.
However, if you want a good balance between privacy, light control, and insulation, we recommend full-height or tier-on-tier shutters.
Café-style shutters are the least insulating because they only cover the bottom half of the window, allowing heat to escape out of the top.
What material should I choose for my insulating shutters?
While historically shutters were always made from wood, they are prone to warping and water damage in rooms that are frequently moist (for instance, kitchens and bathrooms). For these areas of your home, we recommend our Aqua shutters. Available in 23 colours with a matte finish, they are highly resistant to warping, denting and chipping and will last for years.
Outside of kitchens and bathrooms, we recommend our Platinum shutters. A classic option, these window treatments are made from premium hardwood with a tight grain and a smooth finish. We have 45 stains and colours to choose from, but we can also create custom colours for you using our bespoke colour matching service.
What are some other benefits of shutters?
Aesthetics
Shutters are a classic window treatment that have stood the test of time. They have remained popular for hundreds of years, despite many other changes in interior design trends.
Soundproofing
Not only do shutters insulate your home from adverse temperatures, they also protect you from noises outside. Shutters are an ideal choice if you live in a city or near a main road.
Privacy
Shutters offer excellent privacy, especially when the louvres are closed. Even when the louvres are open, the view into your home is partially obscured but you still get plenty of natural light. With alternative window treatments like curtains, you have to choose between privacy and natural light.
Light control
By adjusting the louvres, you can block out or let in light as you desire. Shutters are among the most effective window treatments for blocking light, which can help improve your sleep quality.
Easy maintenance
Shutters are easy to clean and maintain. Dusting or wiping them down periodically is usually sufficient to keep them looking their best.
Home value
Shutters add curb appeal by enhancing a home’s architectural character and providing visual interest through colour, symmetry, and window framing. Shutters make your home’s exterior more inviting and aesthetically pleasing. Plus, quality shutters last far longer than blinds or curtains, which is a bonus for potential buyers if you plan to sell your home.
Save money on your energy bills with Luxaflex®
The weather is beginning to turn, but energy bills remain high. There’s never been a better time to upgrade to more efficient window treatments. Between September 4th 2023 and December 22nd 2023, we are offering free options and upgrades on Luxaflex® Shutters.
Free upgrade from full-height to tier-on-tier shutters:
While both are excellent insulators, tier-on-tier shutters offer increased benefits all year round. Tier-on-tier shutters feature top and bottom panels that open independently. Keep both halves closed during the cold and dark winter months to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Open the top panels during the summer to allow natural light and heat from the sun into your home – or close them up on very hot days to keep your house cool. Because you can open either the top or the bottom panels on tier-on-tier shutters, you can maintain high levels of privacy while still enjoying natural light in your room. In contrast, full-height shutters must be opened fully or left closed.
Free hidden tilt:
On regular shutters, the louvres are opened and closed by a tilt rod on the centre of the shutter. On hidden tilt shutters, the mechanism is behind the shutter and therefore not visible to the eye. You can open and close the shutters to your required position by using just your hand. Not only is this a more intuitive way to move the louvres on your shutters, it’s also a visually cleaner and more stylish window treatment.
Free t-post:
T-posts help to split up the weight of your shutter panels. They can be installed horizontally or vertically, anywhere you like on your shutters (or matching natural divides on your window openings, such as the line where two windows connect). If you have large windows, t-posts help to distribute the weight instead of having the entire weight of the shutter resting on one set of hinges. This can result in sagging over time, making your shutters less visually appealing and less energy efficient.
If you would like to take advantage of this offer and upgrade to shutters before the winter sets in, contact us here or call 01903 340560.
