Heat-Blocking Shutters and Other Tips To Stay Cool This Summer

June 05, 2017

Summer is just around the corner. And while lots of people were begging for summer to get here way back in December, some may not be prepared for the summer heat.

But don’t sweat it, Sunburst Shutters NW Tennessee has a few tips to get you ready to stay cool when the mercury starts rising, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to make your AC unit work more efficiently.

Indoor Shutters Can Cool Your Home

The path most of that sweltering summer heat takes to get into your home is through your windows. By putting in window treatments designed for energy efficiency, such as plantation shutters, you can make a huge dent in how hot your home gets. Just take a look!

The numbers don’t lie: Polywood® plantation shutters have been shown to block nearly half of the thermal energy that can move through the windows. In some homes, that can result in a 30 degree temperature difference! Make sure your shutters are shut during the day to keep out sunlight and heat, then let them open up during the evening to let the cool night air flow through your house.

Modern lounge with plantation shutters

Bear in mind that heat-blocking ability isn’t just a boon during the summer months. If you’re asking the same questions about how to survive the cold once winter comes around, plantation shutters might be your perfect solution.

Up Your Energy Efficiency

Great window treatments like shutters can improve your energy efficiency, but there’s more room for improvement. By doing some of the following smaller tasks, you can decrease energy waste, which can lead to higher temperatures inside:

Double check that your air conditioning ducts are tightly sealed and insulated. In addition, replace your air filter every 4-6 weeks to keep your system in top form.
Toss out your old inefficient incandescent light bulbs. With LEDs or CFL lights, you’ll reduce the heat radiated by your light bulbs without sacrificing brightness.
If some of your appliances are several years old, consider swapping them out with newer, more efficient versions. Some appliances like the oven, water heater, and furnace contribute to a large amount of the heat in your space.

Other Ways To Keep Cool During The Bluff City Summer

Although these smaller projects might not drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency, they can still keep your home cool when the mercury rises:

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

Bluff City sunroom with fan and shutters

Consider using a dehumidifier, particularly in areas that you spend the most time during the day. Decreased humidity means it’s easier for your AC to cool your home, and dryer air usually feels cooler on the skin.
For homes that have a lot of south-facing windows without shutters covering them, think about putting up a canopy or awning to block the relentless sun’s rays from pouring down on them.

Call Sunburst To Help You Beat The Heat

We’ve helped Tennessean treat their windows for years, so we know a little bit about what it takes to keep cool in the summer. If you’d like to overcome the season without a sweat, give us a call at 276-685-5343 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Together we can beat the heat and have a great Bluff City summer.

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