What is the Energy Efficiency of Solid Window Shutters?

Significant reductions in heat loss

Over the years, many studies have been conducted into the causes of home heat loss and the most effective ways of boosting thermal efficiency. Research suggests that as much as 50% of all heat generated in the average home (by any conventional heating system) escapes through the windows.

All of which amounts to money down the drain, along with a larger than necessary carbon footprint.

Exact figures differ from one property type and heating system to the next, but the same general rule applies to all homes. If you want to retain more heat and reduce your energy consumption, you need to focus on your window coverings.

This is where solid window shutters have been found to make a major contribution to heat retention. In 2018, a study performed by Historic England found that precision-fitted plantation shutters can reduce heat loss by almost 65% when fitted to single-glazed panels. When secondary glazing was added to the windows, the overall heat loss reduction increased to 73%.

By contrast, heavy curtains were found to reduce heat loss by just 39%.

This suggests that solid window shutters can and will contribute to significant reductions in heat loss in all types of interior spaces when used to replace conventional window coverings. From blinds to drapes to nets and so on, nothing has proved more efficient in reducing heat loss through windows than solid shutters.

The additional benefits of solid shutters

To bring window shutters into the home is to gain access to numerous benefits that go beyond improved thermal efficiency. Throughout the year, high-quality window shutters can contribute to a quieter and more comfortable environment in general.

Just a few of the other main benefits of solid window shutters are as follows:

• Soundproofing: Window shutters manufactured from high-quality materials can significantly reduce unwanted exterior noise. This makes them great for bedrooms, nurseries, and home offices—anywhere peace and quiet is called for.
• Privacy: The louvres in window shutters can be adjusted in such a way as to completely obscure the view from outdoors. Day and night, window shutters make it easy to maintain total privacy in any room of the home.
• Light management: Window shutters also make it much easier to have total control over lighting conditions indoors. They can be fully opened, fully closed, or adjusted to let just the right amount of natural light into your home.
• Kerb appeal: Time and time again, studies have shown how solid window shutters can significantly boost a home’s market value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
• Security: Solid shutters place an additional physical barrier between your home and the outdoors, creating an effective deterrent against would-be intruders. This is particularly true with high-security shutters, which feature in-built locking mechanisms for total peace of mind.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss the benefits of window shutters in more detail, contact a member of the team at Riverside Shutters today.