Energy costs are a major household expense. Installing quality shutters improves insulation to make homes more energy efficient. Here are the top ways shutters help conserve energy.

Prevent Heat and AC Loss Through Windows

Closed shutters form an insulating barrier retaining cooled or heated indoor air. They prevent wasted energy escaping through notoriously leaky windows.

Shutters add a protective layer against outdoor temperatures swinging too high or low. This reduces reliance on HVAC systems.

Install Solid Shutters For Better Insulation

Shutters made of dense composite, wood, and aluminum materials insulate far better than lightweight curtains. Their thickness slows heat and cold transfer.

Solid shutters also minimize drafts that create uncomfortable hot or cold zones indoors.

Weatherstrip Shutters to Seal Air Gaps

Applying weatherstripping tape or gaskets around shutter panels seals any air gaps shutters may have when closed. This prevents leaks reducing insulation effectiveness.

Sealing air gaps keeps interior air in and exterior air out for improved temperature regulation and savings.

Use Double Paned or Low-E Glass Shutters

Upgrade to double pane glass or low-emissivity coated glass within shutters for enhanced insulation. Specialized glazing reduces heat loss through the glass.

Double pane units trap air pockets that deter heat or cold conduction compared to single panes.

Add Insulating Backer Boards Behind Shutters

Install insulating foam boards behind closed exterior shutters to boost insulation performance. The foam backs add another protective thermal barrier.

Use high R-value rigid foam products to maximize energy savings through added insulation.

Open Shutters to Warm Homes in Winter

Open shutters during winter days to allow warm sunlight in to naturally heat homes. Close them at night to retain accumulated daytime solar heat indoors.

Strategic louver angles warm interiors without overheating or glare. This reduces furnace usage.

Close Shutters to Conserve AC in Summer

Keep shutters sealed in the hot summer to prevent cooled interior air from escaping. Added insulation allows setting thermostats higher to save energy.

Closed shutters also block intense sun from overheating indoor spaces and driving up air conditioner costs.

Create Air Pockets with Layered Shutters

Install interior shutters behind existing windows to form an insulating air gap sandwich. The trapped air space provides another barrier against outdoor temperatures.

Double shuttered windows cut conductive heat/cold transfer notably better than single layers.

Choose Energy Efficient Shutter Materials

Compare insulative properties when selecting shutter building materials. PVC, composite woods and urethane insulate better than metal or brick.

Consult R-values – higher numbers mean more effective insulation properties.

Adjust Shutters Seasonally for Optimal Heating and Cooling

Make seasonal shutter position adjustments to maximize energy savings. Close them fully in winter and summer. Open louvers wider in fall and spring to naturally regulate moderate temperatures.

Match positions to the sun’s shifting angles through the year.

Conclusion

Energy efficient shutters reduce costly utility bills while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. Proper installation, materials, seasonal adjustments and usage dramatically cut heat and AC expenditures.