Heat-Stopping Shutters and More Tips To Stay Cool This Summer

June 05, 2017

Summer’s creeping up fast in Southern California. And while lots of people were wishing it was here way back in December, some might not be ready for the heat that summer brings.

But you shouldn’t sweat it, Sunburst Shutters Southern CA has your back with a few tips to help you survive the summer when the thermostat’s on the fritz, from heat-blocking shutters to ways to reduce the strain on your AC unit.

Interior Shutters Block Summer Heat

The way most of that sticky summer heat comes inside your house is through your windows. By putting in window treatments designed to block temperature flow, such as plantation shutters, you can bring down the ambient temperature in your space this summer. Just take a look!

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

Chic parlor with interior shutters

Remember that heat-blocking ability isn’t just good during the summer months. If you’re having the same talk about how to beat the cold once winter comes, plantation shutters might be your best match.

Make Your Space More Energy Efficient

Effective window treatments like shutters can make your home more energy efficient, but there’s a lot more you can do. By doing some of these smaller jobs, you can decrease energy waste, which contributes to higher temperatures indoors:

Double check that your air conditioning ducts are tightly sealed and insulated. Also, change out your air filter every 4-6 weeks to keep your system in top form.
Don’t use inefficient incandescent light bulbs. With LED bulbs or CFL lamps, you’ll reduce the heat emitted by your light bulbs without sacrificing brightness.
If any of your appliances are a little older, consider swapping them out with newer, more efficient ones. Certain appliances such as the oven, water heater, and furnace contribute to a large amount of the heat your home generates.

Other Ways To Keep Cool In The Southern California Summer

Even though these simpler projects may not drastically improve your house’s energy efficiency, they can still keep your house cool as the mercury rises:

Ensure your ceiling fans are going 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 changes the blades’ direction.

Southern California living room with fan and shutters

Look into using a dehumidifier, particularly in the room or two are the busiest in your home. Decreased humidity means it’s easier for your AC to cool your home, and dryer air usually feels cooler on the skin.
If your home has many south-facing windows without any shutters covering them, think about putting up an awning or canopy to block the unyielding summer sun from pouring down on them.

Call Sunburst To Help You Beat The Heat

Sunburst has helped Californians cover their windows for years, so we’re familiar with how to keep comfortable during the summer. If you’d like to last through the season without a sweat, call us at 888-611-2474 today or fill out our free consultation form below. Working together we can beat the heat and have a great Southern California summer.

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