Heat-Stopping Shutters and More Tips To Cool Down Your Home

June 05, 2017

Summer’s just around the corner. And though lots of people were begging for summer to get here way back in December, some might not be ready for the warmer weather.

But you shouldn’t sweat it, Sunburst Shutters Salt Lake City has your back with a few pointers to help you survive the summer when the thermostat’s on the fritz, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to get your AC working better.

Plantation Shutters Block Summer Heat

The path most of that sticky summer heat takes to get into your house is through your windows. By installing window treatments designed for energy efficiency, such as plantation shutters, you can have more control over the temperature in your house. Just take a look!

The numbers are in: Polywood® plantation shutters have been proven to block nearly half of the thermal energy that comes in through your windows. In some homes, that can mean up to a 30 degree temperature difference! Keep the shutters closed during the daytime to keep out sunlight and heat, then open them during the evening to allow the cool night air to move through your house.

Chic parlor with plantation shutters

Remember that energy efficiency isn’t just a benefit during summer. If you’re asking the same questions about how to survive the cold once winter is here, plantation shutters could be your perfect solution.

Make Your Space More Energy Efficient

Great window insulators like shutters can up your energy efficiency, but there’s a lot more you can do. By doing some of these smaller jobs, you can decrease energy waste, which contributes to higher temperatures inside:

Make sure all your air conditioning ducts are properly sealed and insulated. Also, change out your air filter every 4-6 weeks to keep your system in great form.
Switch away from wasteful incandescent light bulbs. With LEDs or CFL lights, you can reduce the heat emitted by your light bulbs without sacrificing brightness.
If some of your appliances are pretty old, consider swapping them out with newer, more efficient versions. Some appliances such as the stove, water heater, and furnace make up a large amount of the heat your home generates.

Other Ways To Remain Cool In The Salt Lake City Summer

Though these simpler projects might not dramatically improve energy efficiency in your home, they still let you keep your home cool when the mercury starts climbing:

Ensure your ceiling fans are turning counter-clockwise, so they push cold air downward. If your fans are spinning clockwise, look for a small switch on the fan itself that changes the blades’ direction.

Salt Lake City sunroom with fan and shutters

Consider using a dehumidifier, especially in rooms that you spend the most time during the day. Lower air humidity makes it easier for your AC to keep your home cool, and dryer air usually feels cooler on the skin.
If you have many south-facing windows that don’t have any shutters on them, consider hanging an awning or canopy to block the relentless sun’s rays from pouring down on them.

Let Sunburst Help You Beat The Heat

We’ve helped Utahians treat their windows for years, so we know a little bit about how to stay cool in the summer. If you’d like to overcome the season without a sweat, give us a call at 801-515-3598 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Working together we can beat the heat and have a great Salt Lake City summer.

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