Because wood shutters are natural insulators they can be used to lower your energy costs by keeping the elements out. That was their original purpose and why you almost never see a historic house that does not have shutters. Shutters are not just decorative any more than ceiling fans are only decorative. Many now use ceiling fans to reduce the costs of heating and cooling their homes and shutters are even more effective.

The rising cost of energy prompted us to start using ceiling fans for their original purpose: to keep us warmer or cooler while spending less on air conditioning or heat. Shutters are making a comeback for the same reasons: to save us money.

Have you ever touched the windows the sun is shining on? Even during the coldest days in winter they can be extremely warm. Try standing next to a window on a cold day and especially when the wind is blowing toward it. That area will be far colder than the rest of the room.

When you have exterior shutters you can open and close them selectively. Just close the shutters during the winter on the window where the north wind howls the strongest. In the summer leave the shutter closed on the window where the sun shines the strongest as it rises or sets. Adjust your shutters daily, seasonally, or only when a storm is on the way.

Shutters protect your carpeting, flooring, draperies and furniture by blocking the damage caused by sunlight. Carpets are commonly made from olefin, wood, and nylon and all of these have poor resistance to sunlight. Although polyester has good sunlight resistance, even it is damaged by the sun.

Constant exposure to sun rays is destructive to draperies, damaging the fabrics. Especially affected are bright and dark colors which will fade and streak. Eventually the sun damage will cause your drapes to dry rot. While acrylic and polyester are less affected, cotton, rayon and acetate need the most protection from sunlight.

While fabrics used in furniture upholstery are affected similarly to draperies, other types of furniture are also damaged by the sun. Especially susceptible is leather furniture. Even wood is damaged by the drying affect of sunlight. Position furniture away from direct sunlight when possible or close your shutters to shield it from the sun.

Wood shutters protect what you have invested in the draperies, carpeting, flooring and furniture in your home and lower what you spend to keep it heated and cooled. Buying directly from the manufacturer is the best way to get value and the lowest prices. Since manufacturers can be really challenging to find why not check out the research we have compiled? Our Pricing Exterior Shutters Hubpage has a photograph slideshow with types of shutters plus links to manufacturing plants that sell directly to the public.

Spend less and buy superior quality Wood Shutters by buying directly from the manufacturer. Manufacturers can be challenging to find so go to Frank Wright’s Hubpage for more information and where to buy Wooden Shutters. Don’t miss the beautiful photo slide show there.