Shutters aren’t only attractive and highly functional window treatments, they are also known for their energy efficient capabilities. As a long-term investment, they help you to control temperature within your property throughout the year, and can reduce your energy bills.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how shutters can help your household retain heat, conserve energy, and save on monthly costs.

How are shutters energy efficient?

Shutters provide an extra layer of protection from the weather outside, as windows are prone to allowing the cold in and letting heat escape. According to the British Blind & Shutter Association, 18% of heat loss occurs through windows. As a result, it’s never been more important to find a window fitting that retains heat. To further stop the cold from entering your home, consider covering doors, letterboxes, and loft hatches as part of your insulation efforts. Other options include investing in double-glazing on your windows.

In the summer, shutters can block out direct sunlight and be opened when shaded to allow airflow. This helps regulate the temperature, reducing the need for ventilation and air conditioning.

Its benefits extend beyond just temperature control, as certain types of shutters, such as full height shutters, café-style shutters, and tier-on-tier shutters, can actually enhance natural light within your home. To increase sunlight, simply adjust the slats to allow more light into your room, or open them up completely. This reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, lowering costs and energy in the process.

Rising demand for energy efficient home upgrades

Energy efficiency within domestic properties has become a bigger focus during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Earlier this year, the energy regulator Ofgem said it would raise the UK household energy price cap by 10%, meaning the average yearly bill now totals £1,717 as of October 2024. With prices high for the last few years, energy efficient and cost-saving home treatments, like window shutters, are rapidly increasing in popularity.

A recent study showed that 39% of homeowners consider energy efficient improvements an important priority for their property, though 40% have no idea how their home is performing in this regard. This shows there is a knowledge gap, as people know they have to make improvements but may not know where to start. For those who are unsure, take a look at GOV.UK’s website for useful energy-saving tips.

In addition to the short-term benefit of reducing energy bills, shutters can increase house value due to their energy-saving capabilities. They can also boost your EPC rating, which is now a bigger consideration when people look to buy properties. Currently, 61% of prospective homeowners are more likely to make an offer on a property that has a rating of C or above.

Ultimately, when thinking about the energy efficiency of your property, think beyond the initial short term benefits and consider future-proofing methods that will provide long term gains.

Are shutters more energy efficient than blinds?

Typically, shutters are more energy efficient than some blinds, as they are made from solid materials that offer a sturdy barrier between your home and the outside.

Here are just a few other ways in which they differ.

R-value

The R-value measures the effectiveness of how a material counters heat flow, with a high value meaning that it provides better thermal insulation. According to the Smart Energy Alliance, plantation shutters have an R-value of between 2.77 and 3.17, while roller blinds are between 1.3 and 1.8. The R-value can differ depending on your chosen material, with plantation shutters typically having the highest rating.

U-value

The U-value measures how a material loses heat, with lower U-values meaning that the material is more energy efficient. Overall, shutters have a lower U-value than blinds.

What styles of shutters save the most energy?

The style of shutter that you choose can have a significant effect on how much energy you save. For optimum temperature control, we recommend the following two shutter styles.

Full height shutters

Full height shutters help to completely cover your entire window, meaning it provides maximum insulation as there is less of a chance of heat escaping from your home during the colder months. During the summer, sunlight can be fully blocked out. In addition, they are also effective in reducing noise and providing privacy.

Tier-on-tier shutters

Tier-on-tier shutters share many of the same benefits as full height shutters, but have further versatility as they have two separate panels, one on the top and another on the bottom, that can open independently from one another. In summer, these shutters can further prove to be effective at maintaining temperature as you can keep the top set open and the bottom closed, to control the amount of heat from coming in.

Our range of full height and tier-on-tier shutters are ‘thermally dynamic’, meaning they help to reflect heat on the inside and outside of your property.

Which materials are most energy efficient?

Different shutter materials can have contrasting benefits when it comes to energy efficiency. Here are a few things to consider when buying your chosen material.

Hardwood

Generally, solid wooden shutters are considered the most energy efficient. With a high R-value, they help to store heat in the winter and are extremely durable. Solid wooden shutters are also more sustainable as they use less energy to produce than many other materials.

Engineered Wood Composite

Like hardwood, Engineered Wood Composite (EWC) shutters have a high R-value, meaning that they help to retain heat. They’re sustainably made, utilising 95% of the tree. Each stile is uniquely engineered with multiple layers of wood, bonded with intense pressure, heat, and polymer. This means that each shutter is guaranteed to save energy in your home, for years to come.

Metal shutters

Metal shutters, like our aluminium security shutter range, can insulate your home throughout the year. They control temperature by helping to maintain heat and airflow during winter and summer, with the added bonus of increased security.

What are the most energy efficient ways to use shutters?

Ultimately, the ability for shutters to provide energy savings isn’t just seasonal; using them at different times of the day, from morning to evening, can help to keep heat within your home.

Winter

In winter, using your shutters effectively can help to lower costs and emissions. Keeping your shutters open during the sunlight hours allows your home to warm up through the day, while shutting the louvres when it gets darker allows you to retain the warmth during the night.

Summer

We advise opening your shutters during the morning to let in the cool air. During the afternoon, close them to shut out sunlight at the hottest point in the day. Then, when the sun has gone down, reopen the shutters to let out heat and bring the cooler air in again.

An energy efficient window treatment

In choosing shutters, you will not only save on your monthly bills, but you will also make your home more energy efficient. Our made-to-measure shutters are designed to fit the span of your window to provide a range of benefits for your space. When choosing our professional service, you can feel confident knowing that you’re choosing a responsible retailer, all while saving energy at all times of the day and year. 

Here at Shuttercraft, we are highly experienced in providing a range of high-quality, durable, and cost-saving shutters for homes up and down the UK. Regardless of the material or style, we’ve got you covered. In addition, we are committed to the environment and are dedicated to being a responsible retailer. Learn more about our environmental stewardship and sustainable practices by heading to our sustainability page.