Do shutters always need to be closed for energy savings? What you need to know

Picture this: you’ve just invested in a stunning set of plantation shutters. They look beautiful, add character to your space, and promise energy efficiency.

But now you’re left wondering: do they always need to stay closed to help cut those rising energy bills?

It seems straightforward — close them to block out the cold or keep in the warmth — but the reality might surprise you.

This article will explore whether you need to keep shutters closed all the time to maximize energy savings and when it’s best to keep them open.

We’ll break down how to use your shutters to strike the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency, without making your home feel like a cave.

When closed shutters help

Let’s start with the basics. Shutters provide good insulation when they’re closed, especially during the colder months.

This is particularly important in the UK, where we often deal with chilly drafts creeping in through windows, even when they’re double-glazed.

Window shutters add an extra layer between your home and the outside world, helping to reduce heat loss.

By keeping shutters closed during the night or on particularly cold, cloudy days, you’re keeping the warmth inside your home.

This can reduce the need to constantly crank up the heating, saving energy in the process.

In fact, studies show that window coverings can reduce heat loss by up to 30%.

But here’s a key point: shutters don’t need to be closed 24/7 to be effective.

When open shutters are beneficial

On sunny winter days, especially in south-facing rooms, keeping your shutters open can actually boost your home’s energy efficiency.

Sunlight streaming through the windows naturally warms the room, reducing the need for artificial heating. This is where strategically opening your shutters can work to your advantage.

This is how allowing the sun’s warmth to penetrate your living space can keep it comfortable and reduce heating costs. Just remember to close the shutters again once the sun goes down to retain that warmth.

Ever wondered if letting in some sunshine could actually save you more? It’s all about timing.

Think of it like a daily rhythm: open in the morning to let in the light and heat, closed in the evening to conserve it.

Room-specific strategies

Different rooms in your home may benefit from different shutter strategies. For instance, in the living room, where you spend most of your day, you might want to open shutters during daylight hours to let in natural light and heat.

In contrast, bedrooms may need shutters closed more often, especially during the colder months, to keep warmth in and create a cozy, draft-free space for sleeping.

In the kitchen, where warmth from cooking appliances can naturally heat the room, keeping shutters open during the day allows excess heat to escape, making the space more comfortable while reducing energy waste.

How much could you save by adjusting when your shutters are open or closed?

Each home is different, but understanding the balance between light, heat, and insulation can have a real impact on energy bills.

Instead of defaulting to a “closed all the time” strategy, use the shutters as a tool you can adjust throughout the day — open for warmth and natural light when you need it, closed when the temperature drops or when it’s overcast and cold.

Conclusion

So, while many homeowners believe that shutters need to be kept closed constantly to provide any energy savings, this isn’t entirely accurate, the key to maximizing their benefits lies in how and when you use them.

And plantation shutters can be a powerful asset in managing your home’s energy efficiency, but they don’t need to be closed all the time.

By adjusting your shutters based on the time of day and the season, you can strike a balance that keeps your home both comfortable and cost-effective.