Heat-Reducing Shutters and Other Ways To Stay Cool This Summer

June 05, 2017

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

But you shouldn’t sweat it, Sunburst Shutters Raleigh has a few pointers to help you beat the heat when the mercury starts rising, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to reduce the strain on your AC unit.

Interior Shutters Block Summer Heat

The path most of that miserable summer heat takes to get into your house is through your windows. By putting in window treatments designed to block temperature flow, such as plantation shutters, you can bring down the ambient temperature in your space this summer. Just take a look!

The science doesn’t lie: Polywood® plantation shutters are proven to block up to 45% of the thermal energy that comes in through your windows. In some homes, that can mean up to a 30 degree difference in temperature! Keep the shutters closed during the day to block the sunlight and heat, then open them during the evening to let the cooler night air flow through your house.

Chic sunroom with plantation shutters

Bear in mind that energy efficiency isn’t just good during the summer months. If you’re having a similar conversation about how to survive the cold once winter comes around, plantation shutters could be your perfect solution.

Up Your Energy Efficiency

Great window insulators like shutters can up your energy efficiency, but there’s more room for improvement. By doing some of these smaller jobs, you can decrease your home’s energy waste, which can lead to higher temperatures indoors:

Double check that your AC ducts are properly sealed and insulated. In addition, replace 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’ll reduce the heat radiated by your light bulbs without reducing brightness.
If any of your appliances are pretty old, consider switching them with newer, more efficient ones. Certain appliances like your stove, furnace, and water heater contribute to a good chunk of the heat your home generates.

Other Ways To Remain Cool During The Raleigh Heat

Though these simpler projects might not dramatically increase your home’s energy efficiency, they still let you keep your house cool when the mercury rises:

Check that your ceiling fans are going counter-clockwise, so that the cold air is pushed downward. If your fans are turning clockwise, find the small switch on the fan’s body that reverses the direction.

Raleigh sunroom with fan and shutters

Look into running a dehumidifier, especially in the room or two you spend the most time during the day. Decreased humidity makes it easier for your AC unit to cool your home, and dryer air tends to be cooler on the skin.
If you have a lot of south-facing windows without shutters covering them, consider putting up a canopy or awning to block the relentless sun’s rays from pouring down on them.

Let Us Help You Beat The Heat

Sunburst has helped North Carolinians treat their windows for years, so we’re experts in what it takes to keep cool in the summer. If you’d like to last through the season without a sweat, give us a ring at 919-887-9198 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Working together we can beat the heat and have a great Raleigh summer.

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