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Shutters – Keeping the Heat In
Do you find that your home gets too cold in winter? Reduce your impact on the environment and use shutters as a means of passive heating, so that your home remains comfortable and you don’t have to spend money heating your home mechanically.
What are Shutters?
Shutters are simply movable wooden or metal coverings that keep the sunlight out when they are closed. Shutters can be solid, or have slats that are fixed or adjustable. As well as controlling the amount of sunlight that enters the home, shutters can also have insulation properties, as well as provide privacy and security.
Rolling shutters are comprised of a series of slats that run down a track. Many of these types of shutters can be controlled from inside the home but they have the disadvantage of completely blocking light when they are fully lowered.
Using Shutters in your Home
Whether you choose to use shutters inside or outside your home, you need to consider things such as ventilation, when they will be opened and closed, and how much light you wish to enter the home.
In winter, shutters are great as they reduce the amount of heat that you lose from your home. Solid shutters are best for this as they are insulating shutters made up of wood panels, vapour barriers and a decorative coating. If fitted correctly against the window frame, an insulating air space will be created. For even more insulation, pair shutters with heavy curtains or other window treatments.
In winter, it is best to leave your shutters open during the day to maximise the amount of solar heat entering the home. Close the shutters at night to minimise the amount of heat energy that is lost while you are sleeping.
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Related Categories
Insulation
Window Shutters