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

June 05, 2017

Summer’s knocking on our door. And though a lot of people were wishing it was here way back in December, some might not be ready for the heat of summer.

But you shouldn’t sweat it, Sunburst Shutters Fort Lauderdale has a few pointers to get you ready to survive the summer when the thermostat’s on the fritz, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to make your AC unit work more efficiently.

Indoor Shutters Keep You Cool

The path most of that miserable summer heat takes to get into your home is through your windows. By installing window treatments designed to block temperature flow, 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 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 difference in temperature! Keep the shutters shut during the daytime to keep out heat and sunlight, then open them at night to let the cooler night air move through your home.

Chic parlor with casement shutters

Remember that heat-blocking ability isn’t just good during the summer months. If you’re having the same talk about how to survive the cold once winter gets close, plantation shutters might be your best match.

Improve Your Energy Efficiency

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

Double check that your AC ducts are tightly sealed and insulated. In addition, replace your air filter every month to keep your system in peak performing shape.
Toss out your old inefficient incandescent light bulbs. With CFLs or LED bulbs, you’ll reduce the heat given off by your light bulbs without giving up brightness.
If some of your appliances are pretty old, consider replacing them with newer, more efficient updates. Some appliances such as the oven, water heater, and furnace contribute to a large chunk of the heat in your space.

More Ways To Stay Cool During The Fort Lauderdale Heat

Even though these simpler projects may not drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency, they still let you keep your home cool when the mercury starts climbing:

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

Fort Lauderdale sunroom with fan and shutters

Think about running a dehumidifier, especially in rooms that are the busiest during the day. Lower air humidity means it’s easier for your AC unit to keep your home cool, and dryer air usually feels cooler on the skin.
If your home has a lot of south-facing windows without shutters covering them, consider hanging an awning or canopy to block out the relentless sun’s rays from beating down on them.

Call Sunburst To Help You Beat The Heat

Sunburst has helped Floridians cover their windows for years, so we’re familiar with what it takes to keep cool during the summer. If you want to last through the season without a sweat, give us a ring at 561-440-8535 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Working together we can beat the heat and have a great Fort Lauderdale summer.

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