The Guide To Closing Your Energy Efficient Shutters This Winter, Washington DC!

December 29, 2015

This January, homeowners in Washington DC are looking for steps 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, the energy efficient indoor shutters will keep the house at a comfortable temperature. Here’s how to close Polywood® plantation shutters for ultimate energy efficiency this winter, Washington DC!

Maximizing Energy Efficiency Begins With The Right Interior Shutters In Washington DC

Window fashions such as curtains, blinds, and shades are fabricated from elements that are not good insulators. Not only are the materials porous, but they also leave some space around the fringe of the material which lets in chilly air during the winter. Plantation shutters are without a doubt the most energy efficient window treatment you can find in Washington DC. This is due to the frame that seals each corner of the window and the solid material the shutter components are made of.

Polywood plantation shutters are created with a frame to seal off the sides of the window. They’re manufactured from a solid polymer, and come with exclusive weatherstripping. Together, this means Polywood shutters insulate 70% better than an equivalent solid wood shutter. And they reduce airflow by up to 30%. This results in the most energy efficient shutters.

The Guide To Closing Your Plantation Shutters To Maximize Energy Efficiency In The Winter

1. Close The Panels:

If the shutter panels are wide open, easily swing them to cover the window pane. This creates an extra layer to the cold temperatures of Washington DC winters.

2. Interlock The Weatherstripping

Interlocking the weatherstripping on white Polywood shutters

As you’re closing the shutter panels, ensure that you interlock the weatherstripping. This is an exclusive item only available on Polywood shutters from Sunburst Shutters DC. It’s a layer of weatherstripping material that covers the vertical sides of the panels where they shut 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

Usually, plantation shutters come with a front mounted tilt rod. Press the tilt rod toward the window so that the shutter louvers tilt up. When the louvers are tilted, the plantation shutters are entirely sealed. In this position, the shutter louvers are blocking air and light, thanks to how the Polywood louvers are made.

For rear mount tilt rods, simply push a louver up and the rest of the louvers will follow.

4. Push the tilt rod into the mousehole

Pushing The Tilt Rod Into The Mousehole Of Your Energy Efficient Shutters

Now that the louvers are in an upward position, move the tilt rod into the mousehole in the shutter frame. It ensures the louvers are shut to the max. Now the louvers are vertical, allowing for more light and temperature blocking.

Watch this clip for a step-by-step on closing your Polywood shutters to maximize energy efficiency.

Ask Your Local Professional About Energy Efficient Shutters In Washington DC

Have more questions on how to use your window shutters for maximum energy efficiency? Want to order energy efficient window shutters in Washington DC? Our experts have the answers to any and all your questions and help you in picking energy efficient shutters. Call us at 240-339-2588 or fill out the form below to schedule a free in-home design consultation today!

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