Heat-Reducing Shutters and More Ways To Cool Down Your Home

June 05, 2017

Summer is creeping up fast in Dallas. And though a lot of folks were begging for summer to get here way back in December, some might not be ready for the summer heat.

But don’t sweat it, Sunburst Shutters Dallas has a few tips to help you beat the heat when the thermostat’s on the fritz, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to make your AC unit work more efficiently.

Indoor Shutters Keep You Cool

The way most of that sweltering summer heat comes inside your home is through your windows. By installing window treatments designed for energy efficiency, such as plantation shutters, you can bring down the ambient temperature in your house this summer. Just take a look!

The numbers don’t lie: Polywood® plantation shutters have been shown to block nearly half of the heat energy that can move through the windows. In some cases, that can mean up to a 30 degree difference in temperature! Keep the shutters closed during the daytime to keep out heat and sunlight, then let them open up at night to allow the cool night air to flow through your house.

Modern sunroom with plantation shutters

Bear in mind that heat-blocking ability isn’t just a benefit during the summer months. If you’re having the same talk about how to survive the cold once winter is here, plantation shutters could be your best solution.

Up Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Effective window treatments like shutters can make your home more energy efficient, but it doesn’t stop there. By doing some of the following smaller jobs, you can decrease energy waste, which contributes to higher temperatures indoors:

Check to see that your AC ducts are sealed and insulated properly. In addition, replace your air filter every 4-6 weeks to keep your system in peak performing shape.
Toss out your old wasteful incandescent light bulbs. With LEDs or CFL lights, you can reduce the heat emitted by your light bulbs without sacrificing brightness.
If some of your appliances are pretty old, think about swapping them out with newer, more efficient updates. Certain appliances like the stove, water heater, and furnace make up a good chunk of the heat inside your house.

Other Ways To Keep Cool In The Dallas Summer Heat

Although these simpler projects might not drastically improve energy efficiency in your home, they’re still helpful ways to keep cool when the mercury rises:

Check that your ceiling fans are running counter-clockwise, so they move cold air downward. If your fans are turning clockwise, look for a small switch on the fan’s body that alternates the direction of the blades.

Dallas sunroom with fan and shutters

Look into using a dehumidifier, especially in rooms that are used the most in your home. Decreased humidity means it’s easier for your AC to keep your home cool, and dryer air tends to be cooler on the skin.
For homes that have a lot of south-facing windows that don’t have shutters covering them, think about installing a canopy or awning to block the unyielding sun’s rays from pouring down on them.

Call Sunburst To Help You Beat The Heat

Sunburst has helped Texans treat their windows for years, so we’re experts in what it takes to keep comfortable in the summer. To last through the season without a sweat, give us a call at 214-301-5066 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Working together we can beat the heat and have a great Dallas summer.

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