Heat-Reducing Shutters and Other Ways To Cool Down Your Home

June 05, 2017

Summer is just around the corner. And though many folks were wishing it was here way back in January, some might not be prepared for the warmer weather.

But you shouldn’t sweat it, Sunburst Shutters Phoenix has your back with a few tips to get you ready to survive the summer when the temperatures start getting high, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to reduce the strain on your AC unit.

Interior Shutters Keep You Cool

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

The numbers are in: Polywood® plantation shutters have been shown to block almost 50% of the thermal energy that normally passes through windows. In some cases, that can result in a 30° temperature difference! Make sure your shutters are closed during the day to block the sunlight and heat, then open them at night to allow the cool evening air to flow through your home.

Modern sunroom with casement shutters

Remember 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 comes, plantation shutters may be your best match.

Up Your Energy Efficiency

Great window treatments like shutters can make your home more energy efficient, but there’s a lot more you can do. By doing any or all of these smaller tasks, you can decrease energy waste, which contributes to higher temperatures indoors:

Double check that your AC ducts are sealed and insulated properly. Also, change out your air filter every month to keep your system in peak performing shape.
Toss out your old wasteful incandescent light bulbs. With CFLs or LED bulbs, you can reduce the heat radiated by your light bulbs without sacrificing brightness.
If your appliances are pretty old, consider swapping them out with newer, more efficient ones. Certain appliances such as your stove, furnace, and water heater make up a good chunk of the heat in your space.

More Ways To Stay Cool During The Phoenix Summer Heat

Even though these smaller projects may not drastically increase energy efficiency in your home, they still let you keep your house cool as the mercury goes up:

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

Phoenix living room with fan and shutters

Look into running a dehumidifier, especially in the room or two are the most used in your home. Lower air humidity makes it easier for your AC to keep your home cool, and dryer air is cooler on the skin.
If your home has many south-facing windows that don’t have any shutters on them, consider hanging a canopy or awning to prevent the unyielding summer sun from pouring down on them.

Let Us Help You Beat The Heat

We’ve been helping Arizonians cover their windows for years, so we know a little bit about what it takes to keep comfortable in the summer. If you’d like to last through the season without a sweat, give us a ring at 480-485-7743 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Together we can beat the heat and have a great Phoenix summer.

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