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

June 05, 2017

Summer is knocking on our door. And while a lot of folks were begging for summer to get here way back in January, some might not be ready for the summer heat.

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

Indoor Shutters Block Summer Heat

The way most of that sticky summer heat comes inside your home is through your windows. By putting in 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 almost 50% of the heat energy that comes in through your windows. In some homes, that can mean up to a 30° difference in temperature! Make sure your shutters are closed during the daytime to keep out heat and sunlight, then let them open up during the evening to allow the cooler night air to move through your house.

Modern parlor with white shutters

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

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Effective window treatments like shutters can improve your energy efficiency, but it doesn’t stop there. By doing some of the following smaller projects, you can decrease your home’s energy waste, which contributes to higher temperatures inside:

Make sure all your air conditioning ducts are sealed and insulated properly. In addition, replace your air filter every month to keep your system in top form.
Switch away from inefficient incandescent light bulbs. With LED bulbs or CFL lamps, you’ll reduce the heat emitted by your light bulbs without giving up brightness.
If your appliances are a little older, consider switching them with newer, more efficient updates. Some appliances such as your oven, water heater, and furnace make up a large amount of the heat in your space.

More Ways To Stay Cool During The Atlanta Summer

Although these projects may not dramatically increase your house’s energy efficiency, they’re still good ways to stay cool as the mercury starts climbing:

Ensure your ceiling fans are running counter-clockwise, so they push cold air downward. If your fans are turning clockwise, find the small switch on the fan’s body that reverses the direction.

Atlanta living room with fan and shutters

Look into running a dehumidifier, especially in the room or two you spend the most time in your home. Decreased humidity makes it easier for your AC system to cool your home, and dryer air tends to be cooler on the skin.
If you have many south-facing windows without any shutters on them, think about putting up an awning or canopy to block out the ever-present summer sun from pouring down on them.

Let Sunburst Help You Beat The Heat

We’ve helped Georgians cover their windows for years, so we’re experts in how to stay cool in the summer. If you want to last through the season without a sweat, give us a ring at 404-962-8517 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Together we can beat the heat and have a great Atlanta summer.

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