How To Close Your Energy Efficient Shutters This Winter Season, Gainesville, FL!

December 29, 2015

This January, homeowners in Gainesville are looking for steps to maximize the energy efficiency of their homes. It’s not enough to have just any window treatments covering your windows. Maximum energy efficiency starts with the right window treatments. Not just any window treatments…shutters!

Completely closed, these energy efficient window shutters will keep the space at an agreeable temperature. Here’s how to close Polywood® plantation shutters to get the most energy efficiency this winter season, Gainesville, FL!

Maximizing Energy Efficiency Starts With The Right Plantation Shutters In Gainesville

Window coverings such as shades, curtains, and blinds are manufactured from materials that do not insulate well. Most of the materials are porous, and they leave an opening around the edge of the material which lets in cold air during the winter months. Plantation shutters are without a doubt the most energy efficient window treatment money can buy in Gainesville, FL. This is due to the frame that seals every corner of the window and the rigid material the shutter components are crafted from.

Polywood plantation shutters are created with a frame that seals off the sides of the window. They’re constructed from a solid polymer, and come with exclusive weatherstripping. All this together means Polywood shutters minimize airflow by up to 30%. And insulate 70% better than a similar solid wood shutter. This results in the most energy efficient shutters.

Steps To Closing Your Indoor Shutters For The Most Energy Efficiency In The Winter

1. Close The Panels:

Closing The Panels Of Your Energy Efficient Shutters

In case the shutter panels are open on either side of the window, simply swing them to cover the window pane. This makes for another barrier to the cooler temperatures of Gainesville winters.

2. Interlock The Weatherstripping

Interlocking The Weatherstripping On Your Energy Efficient Shutters

As you’re closing the panels, ensure that you interlock the weatherstripping. It’s an exclusive feature that only comes on Polywood shutters from Sunburst Shutters Gainesville. The weatherstripping covers the vertical sides of the panels where they close in the middle of your window. Double check that the weatherstripping material interlocks so that no air or light can enter.

3. Close The Louvers

Closing the louvers on Polywood shutters for energy efficiency

Most plantation shutters have a front mount tilt rod. Push the tilt rod inward and upward to tilt the shutter louvers up. When the louvers are adjusted all the way up, the window shutters are completely sealed. The louvers are actively blocking light and air in this position, thanks to how the Polywood louvers are made.

For rear mount tilt rods, adjust one of the louvers up and the other louvers shift in the same way.

4. Push the tilt rod into the mousehole

Pushing the tilt rod into the mousehole of Polywood shutters

With the louvers tilted up, push the tilt rod into the mousehole-shaped notch in the shutter frame. This setup guarantees the louvers are shut all the way. With the louvers completely vertical, the shutters can block more temperature and light.

See this clip for a demonstration on closing your Polywood shutters to maximize energy efficiency.

Contact Your Local Expert About Energy Efficient Shutters In Gainesville, FL

Got more questions about using your window shutters for maximum energy efficiency? Want to purchase energy efficient window shutters in Gainesville, FL? Our experts have the answers to your questions and walk you through selecting energy efficient shutters. Give us a call at 813-602-5966 or fill out the form below to schedule a free in-home design consultation today!

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