Heat-Blocking Shutters and More Ways To Beat The Summer Heat

June 05, 2017

Summer is knocking on our door. And while many folks were begging for summer to get here way back in February, some may not be ready for the summer heat.

But you shouldn’t sweat it, Sunburst Shutters Washington has a few pointers to help you stay cool when the temperatures start getting high, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to make your AC unit work more efficiently.

Plantation Shutters Block Summer Heat

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

The numbers are in: Polywood® plantation shutters are shown to block nearly half of the thermal energy that can move through the windows. In some cases, that can result in a 30 degree temperature difference! Keep the shutters shut during the day to keep out sunlight and heat, then open them at night to let the cool evening air flow through your house.

Modern lounge with casement shutters

Bear in mind that energy efficiency isn’t just good during the summer months. If you’re having the same talk about how to beat the cold once winter is here, plantation shutters might be your perfect solution.

Make Your House More Energy Efficient

Effective window treatments like shutters can improve your energy efficiency, but there’s more room for improvement. By doing any or all of these smaller projects, you can decrease energy waste, which contributes to higher temperatures inside:

Check to see that your air conditioning ducts are tightly sealed and insulated. In addition, replace your air filter every month to keep your system in top form.
Switch away from inefficient incandescent light bulbs. With LEDs or CFL lights, you’ll reduce the heat radiated by your light bulbs without giving up brightness.
If your appliances are several years old, consider switching them with newer, more efficient versions. Some appliances such as the stove, furnace, and water heater make up a large chunk of the heat your home generates.

More Ways To Remain Cool During The Seattle Heat

Although these simpler projects may not dramatically increase your home’s energy efficiency, they still let you keep your home cool as the mercury goes up:

Make sure your ceiling fans are running counter-clockwise, so they push cold air downward. If your fans are moving clockwise, there’s likely a small switch on the fan itself that alternates the blades’ direction.

Seattle living room with fan and shutters

Look into using a dehumidifier, particularly in areas that are used the most in your home. Less humidity in the air makes it easier for your AC unit to cool your home, and dryer air is cooler on the skin.
If your home has many south-facing windows that don’t have shutters on them, think about installing a canopy or awning to prevent the unyielding sun from pouring down on them.

Let Sunburst Help You Beat The Heat

We’ve been helping Seattleites treat their windows for years, so we know a little bit about how to stay cool during the summer. If you want to make it through the season without a sweat, give us a ring at 360-464-2277 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Together we can beat the heat and have a great Seattle summer.

Back to Blog