The world is experiencing some extreme heat again this Summer. Temperatures in Provence have been in the 90's and above for weeks. Rome, Orlando, Athens, Dallas, and even London experience extreme heat while Phoenix and Las Vegas have temperatures in the 100's. While insulation, shade and several other things can cool homes, one item that we should all explore more is the use of shutters. In Europe many homes, often not fitted with central air, are equipped with shutters.

Exterior shutters can help cool a house by reducing solar heat gain more effectively than interior window coverings because they block the sun's rays before they can enter the window and heat up the interior. Yes, dark curtains and interior blinds help, but the heat is already indoors.

Exterior shutters act as a barrier, preventing sunlight from reaching the window glass and subsequently heating up the interior. They reflect and absorb solar radiation, preventing it from entering the home which can reduce the need for air conditioning and lower electric usage and utility bills. While useful in the Summer heat, shutters equipped with operable louvers can also improve insulation by reducing heat loss in the winter and drafts near the windows.

I have always found exterior shutters can  enhance the appearance of a home and potentially increase its resale value. Different types of exterior shutters, like louvered and rolling shutters can be effective in different ways but the general principle is that they provide a layer of protection against the sun's heat, keeping a home cooler. Some roller shutters don't look great, but when engineered into the walls have the ability to 'disappear' out of sight.They can provide outstanding protection during storms too and maybe reduce insurance premiums?