In places like Melbourne, where the climate swings from warm and dry summers to cool and wet winters, homeowners constantly look for innovative ways to keep their homes energy efficient and comfortable. While high-tech cooling and heating systems work, a simple home feature that is often overlooked but offers a practical solution is plantation shutters.
Plantation shutters help keep the indoor temperature of your home ideal throughout the year, whether it’s a scorching hot summer or chilly winter. How do these simple window coverings work? Are they worth it? Here is how this simple solution can make a difference in your home.
The Basics
Plantation shutters are louvred panels fixed inside the frame, with wide angled slats, similar to Venetian blinds. They work like traditional blinds or shutters, providing privacy and limiting the light that gets in without restricting airflow through an open window.
Why are they called that? Well, their origins can be traced all the way to the American South, where they were popular fixtures in plantation estates and mansions. Unlike curtains, they provide shade and ventilation without trapping hot air indoors. Today, they are also called wood shutters.
Traditionally, they were made of wood, but new and more practical versions are made with faux wood or composite, which are lighter, can withstand harsh elements and changing weather, and also last longer.
Benefits of Plantation Shutters
How does installing plantation shutters in your Melbourne home make it more energy-efficient? Here are reasons to consider this the best window treatment for eco- and budget-conscious homeowners.
Efficient Insulation
Plantation shutters provide efficient insulation in both extreme heat and extreme cold weather conditions. Their inherent material, make, and model make them efficient in keeping the indoor temperature hot or cold, depending on the homeowner’s needs and preferences. Most plantation shutters are made of thick and well-insulated materials.
The seamless and slatted construction and thickness of the material of the shutter creates a small air space between the shutter and the window, which is a barrier to the outdoor temperature.
This means closing the shutters during the scorching hot days will block out the sun’s harmful rays, keeping the inside temperature of your home cooler and thus reducing the need for air conditioning. Conversely, during the chilly days of winter, the shutter will trap indoor heat, minimising the need for the heater to work full-time, thus conserving energy.
Ventilation and Light Control
Plantation shutters are considered permanent fixtures because they are installed seamlessly against the window frame. Their timeless and elegant design creates an aesthetic finish. However, since the adjustable louvres can be opened or closed, they can also effectively allow or restrict light and airflow.
By simply tilting the slats, homeowners can control the amount of light and air that enters their homes. This helps reduce reliance on artificial lighting, electric fans, and/or air conditioning.
Cost-Effective and Long-Term Savings
There is no denying that the initial investment in plantation shutters can be high. However, the long-term savings they can provide are also undeniable. By reducing the need for the heating or cooling system to work frequently or excessively, the shutters can significantly help reduce your monthly energy bills. These savings will add up over time and eventually pay for the shutters.
Durability and Ease of Maintenance
Shutters today are built to withstand the harsh elements of nature, making them a more durable option than other window dressings. Their robust construction and hardwearing materials mean they can resist wear and tear for years, which is extremely important in places with variable climates like Melbourne.
Unlike most window treatments, which require frequent washing or special cleaning solutions, plantation shutters are easy to clean. Simply dampen a cloth and wipe the louvres with it. Avoid using harsh abrasives when wiping down the louvres. Also, apply furniture polish or make your own cleaning solution (vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice mixture) to keep the surfaces shiny and fresh.
You can also use the vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose debris, especially around the frames and corners where dust and dirt collect. It is an excellent choice for busy householders.
Modern Trends and High-Tech Options
The need for newer designs allows manufacturers to be innovative with their products. With this, new styles and design options are now available for homeowners to suit the interior of their home. Right now, plenty of styles and designs are available to complement various interior palettes, such as café style shutters, bay windows, French door style, solid panels, tracked shutters, etc. There are also custom colours and minimalist designs for modern homes.
Moreover, technological integration in the plantation shutters market allows for functional and user-friendly solutions. Motorised shutters are an incredibly convenient option for larger houses with multiple rooms. Today, motorised shutters can be integrated into smart home systems or controlled via smartphone apps, making them easier to control and operate.
Reduced Carbon Emissions
Heating and cooling systems account for nearly 50% of global final energy consumption and are responsible for almost 40% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Simple home installations that can reduce the energy consumption of your household will directly reduce your carbon footprint. If you want to save the environment, then plantation shutters will help you with that.
The Takeaway
No matter whether you choose to install plantation shutters in Melbourne for their energy cost savings or environmental benefits, you can get the best of both worlds. It’s no wonder why more Melbourne homes are choosing this window treatment for its practical benefits.
With rising energy costs and global warming concerns, it is reassuring to feel that you can make a difference in the world and improve your quality of life at home with this addition. These factors combine to make plantation shutters a worthy investment and your home more eco-friendly!
