The French are desperately looking for solutions to reduce their energy bill, and for good reason: an average house of 110 m² heated with electricity costs around €1,800 per year just for heating. Yet, the answer may already be in your home, built into your windows. Shutters, which are mainly used for darkness or privacy, hide an unsuspected potential for energy savings both in summer and in winter.
The perfect timing to close your shutters
Contrary to popular belief, keeping your shutters permanently closed is not the optimal solution. The ideal time to close your shutters in winter is as soon as the sun begins to set. This period corresponds to the moment when the outside temperature drops and solar radiation no longer compensates for heat loss through the windows.
During the day, particularly for south-facing windows, leave your shutters open. The sun, even in winter, naturally warms your interior, creating a beneficial greenhouse effect that reduces heating needs. This free heat can represent a significant contribution to your daily energy balance.
The spectacular impact on your heating bill
The numbers speak for themselves: according to ADEME, closing shutters at night can reduce heat loss through windows by 60%. Knowing that the latter are responsible for around 25% of heat loss in a house, the issue becomes considerable.
This simple habit can generate significant savings on your annual heating bill. This gesture is all the more important for homes equipped with old or single-glazed windows. In these cases, the savings can reach several hundred euros per year.
How to maximize the effectiveness of your shutters
The thermal performance of your shutters depends greatly on their material and quality. PVC stands out as an excellent insulator, often outperforming traditional wood. Metal, although aesthetic and durable, offers less efficient thermal insulation.
For blinds, choose an installation with an exterior box. This configuration allows the blind to descend as close as possible to the glazing, creating a more effective barrier against the cold. An objective criterion exists to evaluate the performance of your shutters: the Air-Water-Vent (AEV) classification. This certification, delivered by the Scientific and Technical Building Center, grades the shutters from A1 to A4, A4 representing the maximum level of protection.
A piece by piece strategy
Each piece deserves a personalized approach. In a south-facing living room, make the most of the winter sun during the day. For bedrooms, particularly those facing north, closing the shutters for a longer period of time may be wise.. The kitchen, naturally heated by cooking activities, requires more flexible management to avoid overheating.
- Close your shutters as soon as the sun sets to trap the heat accumulated during the day
- Leave them open during the day on sunny facades to benefit from free natural heating
- Choose A4 certified PVC shutters for optimal insulation
