Do Security Shutters Actually Lower Your Energy Bills?

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Security shutters aren’t just for break-in protection—they also happen to be one of the most underappreciated energy-saving upgrades you can make to your home or cottage.

That’s right: these sleek, roll-down panels can cut down your heating and cooling bills, especially here in Ontario, where the weather goes from “toaster oven” to “cryogenic freezer” within a few months.

Let’s break down how shutters actually help you save.

How Security Shutters Help with Energy Efficiency

Security shutters reduce energy loss in two key ways:

  1. Thermal Insulation
    They create a buffer of still air between your window and the outside world, much like storm windows do. This extra layer slows down heat transfer—keeping warm air in during winter and cool air in during summer.
  2. Solar Heat Control
    In summer, closed shutters block direct sunlight, stopping solar radiation from heating your rooms. Your AC works less. Your hydro bill shrinks. You sweat less.

Winter Benefits: Keep the Cold Out

Ontario winters are no joke. Security shutters:

  • Help maintain indoor warmth by reducing window heat loss (a major source of winter drafts)
  • Protect against icy winds hitting your glass directly
  • Can even prevent frost build-up on windows, especially at cottages with older frames

Translation: Your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, especially at night.

Summer Benefits: Keep the Heat Out

When it’s 30°C and humid, shutters:

  • Reflect heat away from your windows
  • Block UV rays that raise indoor temps
  • Lower interior temps by 2–7°C depending on exposure

You’ll run your air conditioner less, and the house stays cooler longer—even without blackout curtains or closed blinds.

Measurable Energy Savings

Results will vary depending on home layout, insulation, and shutter usage, but:

  • Homeowners can see up to 30% energy savings on heating and cooling when shutters are used consistently
  • Cottages using shutters year-round report fewer HVAC run cycles and lower hydro costs
  • Paired with programmable motors, shutters can be set to open/close based on time of day or temperature

Are All Shutters Created Equal?

No. For real energy savings, you need:

  • Insulated or solid aluminum shutters
  • Tight installation with minimal air gaps
  • Motorized or easy-to-use controls so you’ll actually close them when it counts

Some cheap shutters offer basic shade, but don’t have the sealing power to trap heat or block sun effectively.

We only install shutters that are rated for both security and energy efficiency—because if you’re going to invest, it should do both.

Year-Round Impact at Your Cottage or Home

Security shutters are especially useful at:

  • Cottages that sit closed-up during the week (or all winter)
  • South-facing windows with intense summer sun
  • Bedrooms where you want total darkness and temperature control
  • Patio doors that leak hot or cold air like a sieve

So, Do They Actually Lower Energy Bills?

Yes.
Not in a gimmicky, “we think maybe” kind of way—but in a measurable, practical, proven way.

They reduce drafts, block sunlight, and insulate your glass year-round.
They also look great and protect against break-ins.
What other home upgrade checks all those boxes?

Need better security? Explore shutters now

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