Motorised roller shutters are usually fitted to doors and windows as a highly effective security barrier. But did you know that if they’re fitted throughout the home, they can contribute towards the energy efficiency of a household? And, of course, this saves costs at the same time. Read more to find out how this is possible.
Wasted Energy in Homes
South African homes are not known for their energy efficiency. Many have single glazing in the windows and very little insulation in the roof or walls. Warm air leaks out of windows, under doors and through roofs in winter. By contrast, in summer we struggle to keep interiors cool so we crank up the air conditioning or fans.
None of this is good news for the environment. It is also a burden on our budgets. Internal heating, tumble driers, and boiling the kettle for warm drinks and hot water bottles add up to a hefty winter energy bill. In summer, it’s air conditioning, fans, and overworked fridges and freezers that increase the costs.
It may come as a surprise that domestic internal roller shutter doors can help reduce these added seasonal household costs and improve energy efficiency in the home. After all, Trellidor roller shutters are usually fitted as a security solution for doors and windows. But they can help conserve energy.
Roller shutters improve winter insulation
In winter we lose a lot of heat through the roof. This is because many homes lack insulation in the roof. Warm air rises, so when we heat our homes, we lose much of it through the roof.
We also have leaky single glazed windows and poorly fitted doors that allow warm air to escape and draughts to get into the home. To warm our homes, we turn up the heating. This wastes money and adds to the strain on the environment.
One way of solving all these problems is to fit roller shutters to doors and windows. They are custom-made to tightly fit each opening. This helps to prevent cold air seeping in and warm air leaking out when the shutters are closed, especially if you choose shutters with solid slats.
The winter benefits of installing roller shutters are:
- Closed shutters help reduce heat loss by keeping the heat inside if professionally installed.
- Underfloor heating can be turned down a degree or two in winter if roller shutters are closed when the heating is turned on.
- Closed shutters block out biting winds and cold rain.
Roller shutters improve summer shelter
Every winter we look forward to long, not summers. But the warm season brings its own energy issues. We struggle to keep cool inside our homes and use energy-guzzling methods of lowering internal temperatures.
Roller shutters on doors, windows, and around patios can help reduce our reliance on these methods. The shutters act as thermal insulation and help to control the temperature of the internal space. This saves on energy consumption.
There is also the ‘greenhouse effect’ to consider. This is where heat is trapped inside the home, just like a glassed greenhouse used for growing plants. Closed roller shutters on windows and doors can minimise this effect through a partial or complete block out of light and heat.
The summer benefits of installing roller shutters are:
- On sunny days they open up completely to let fresh air circulate through the house.
- Closed roller shutters block out excessive heat.
- Closed shutters allow air conditioning to be turned down, saving energy.
- Cold air is retained inside the home when roller shutters are closed.
- Roller shutters with holes, i.e. punched or vented, block out excessive sun and heat while allowing in some cooling fresh air.
All season sound insulation
Closed roller shutters provide sound insulation. How effective they are depends on whether the shutter is single walled or double walled. But either version will help to block out sound from outside the home.
This is a huge benefit in a noisy neighbourhood or a suburb near an airport. But how does it help in terms of energy efficiency? It makes the roller shutters on doors and windows a dual-purpose installation. Any product that can do more than one job saves money and manufacturing costs. In this case, the shutters provide sound insulation as well as protection from crime.
Types of Roller Shutter
There are different types of roller shutter on the market, so do your research before making your choice. Its advisable to discuss your requirements with experts in the field so that you can narrow down the product options best suited to your home, requirements, and budget.
The choices include:
- Steel or aluminium?
- Manual or motorised?
- Backup battery, solar power, or manual override for motorised shutters?
- Single or double wall of slats?
- Solid slats, punched slats, or perforated slats?
- Viewing panel required in some of the slats?
- Anti-lift technology required?
The options can be confusing, so Trellidor outlets offer a free consultation service that includes quotes on multiple products. Get advice and a roller shutter quote from your nearest supplier before making up your mind.
