How To Close Your Energy Efficient Shutters In The Winter, Chicago, IL!

December 29, 2015

This winter season, homeowners in Chicago are looking for ways to make their houses more energy efficient. And it takes more than a simple window treatment. Increasing energy efficiency begins with the right window treatments. The right shutters.

When closed all the way, energy efficient indoor shutters sustain the room at a comfortable temperature. Here a guide to closing Polywood® plantation shutters for maximum energy efficiency this winter, Chicago, IL!

Maximum Energy Efficiency Starts With The Right Indoor Shutters In Chicago

Window treatments such as shades, curtains, and blinds are fabricated from materials that do not insulate well. Not only are the materials porous, but they also leave an opening around the edge of the material which lets in cold air in the wintertime. Plantation shutters are without a doubt the most energy efficient window treatment in Chicago, IL. That’s because of the frame that seals every corner of the window and the quality material that shutter components are crafted from.

Polywood plantation shutters are created with a frame to seal off the sides of the window. They’re constructed from a solid polymer, and have exclusive weatherstripping. Together, this means Polywood shutters minimize airflow by up to 30%. And insulate 70% better than a similar solid wood shutter. This makes for the most energy efficient shutters.

How To Close Your Plantation Shutters To Maximize Energy Efficiency This Winter

1. Close The Panels:

Closing The Panels Of Your Energy Efficient Shutters

If the shutter panels are resting on one or both sides of the window, gently swing them to cover the window pane. This makes for another layer to the cold temperatures of Chicago winters.

2. Interlock The Weatherstripping

Interlocking the weatherstripping on white Polywood shutters

As you’re closing the panels, ensure that you interlock the weatherstripping. This is an exclusive element to Polywood shutters from Sunburst Shutters Chicago. It’s a layer of weatherstripping material that covers the vertical sides of the panels where they touch in the middle of your window. You’ll want to make sure that the weatherstripping material interlocks so that no air or light can enter.

3. Close The Louvers

Closing the louvers on plantation shutters

Commonly, plantation shutters feature a front mounted tilt rod. Press the tilt rod toward the window so that the shutter louvers tilt up. When the louvers are shifted, the plantation shutters are entirely shut. In this position, the shutter louvers are blocking air and light, thanks to how the Polywood louvers are made.

For plantation shutters with a rear mounted tilt rod, push a louver up and the other louvers move up with it.

4. Push the tilt rod into the mousehole

Pushing the tilt rod into the mousehole of plantation shutters for energy efficiency

Once all the louvers are tilted upward, push the top of the tilt rod into the mousehole-shaped notch in the shutter frame. This ensures the louvers are closed all the way. The shutters are more effective at blocking light and temperature now that the louvers are vertical.

See this video for a demonstration of how to close your Polywood shutters for the most energy efficiency.

Ask Your Local Expert About Energy Efficient Shutters In Chicago, IL

Have any questions about utilizing your shutters for maximum energy efficiency? Need to purchase energy efficient window shutters in Chicago, IL? Our specialists have the answers to any and all your questions and help you in choosing energy efficient shutters. Contact us at 847-250-6544 or fill out the form below to schedule a free in-home design consultation today!

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