It’s a chilly November afternoon in London, and you are pulling down the sash window yet again, feeling that unmistakable draught pipe up around the frame of our period terrace. Then it occurs: we could add internal shutters and perhaps finally stop our radiator from working overtime.
At The London Sash Window Company, we’ve helped many homeowners in situations just like this, and the question we hear all the time is: “Do shutters improve energy efficiency in UK homes?”
In this blog, we explore the answer to that very question, looking at how quality plantation shutters can deliver tangible savings, what kind of return on investment (ROI) homeowners can realistically expect, and how internal shutters fit into the broader energy-efficiency strategy for UK properties.
Please call us on 020 8015 3907 or email us at office@londonsash.com. For more information.
High-quality shutters from London Sash Window Company for sash windows pay for themselves through lower bills, less reliance on heating, and improved comfort even before full window replacement is needed.
What We Mean By “Energy Efficiency Of Shutters In The UK”
When we talk about the energy efficiency of shutters in the UK, we’re referring to the performance of internal or integrated shutters (for example, bespoke plantation shutters fitted onto sash windows) in reducing heat loss, moderating indoor temperature swings, and lowering energy consumption.
The key here is that they provide an added layer of insulation and control without requiring full window replacement. For many UK homes, particularly period properties with original sash windows, this becomes a pragmatic upgrade.
At The London Sash Window Company, we offer a comprehensive service that links our sash window services with other offerings, including double-glazed sash windows, draught proofing, and bespoke shutters.
How Do Shutters Actually Improve Energy Efficiency?
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Insulation And Air-Barrier Effect
Shutters act as a secondary barrier. In winter, the shutter panel (or louvres) traps a layer of air between the window glass and the room interior, which slows down heat escape. In summer, it can help block solar gain when closed. In our blog on temperature regulation, we state: “During the colder months, sash window shutters are an extra barrier to keep warm air inside.”
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Reduced Draught And Better Fit
By improving the closure of the window system, especially around older sash frames, shutters reduce draughts and air leakage, which in UK climate terms is a major source of heat loss.
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Light And Solar Control
The adjustability of plantation shutters (tilting louvres, opening/closing panels) means you can adapt to seasonal needs: block low-winter sun to retain heat, or tune mid-summer sunlight to avoid overheating.
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Complementing Existing Glazing Improvements
If you have upgraded to double-glazed sash windows (or even vacuum glazing, such as FINEO), adding shutters can further enhance those benefits. Our blog “Why upgrading to double-glazed sash windows could save you hundreds” confirms the benefit of glazing alone.
What Kind Of ROI & Savings Can You Expect?
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Typical Savings Figures
In our “how effective are sash window shutters” blog, we share a figure: installing shutters can reduce heat loss by up to 28% compared to blinds (which achieve about 13%) in controlled conditions.
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Translating Into UK Annual Savings
- Suppose your existing heating bill is £1,500/year and your windows/draughts are responsible for ~20% of that (~£300).
- If shutters reduce heat loss by, say, 25% (of the window-related loss), you might save ~£75-£100 per year.
- If the installation cost for quality, made-to-measure shutters is approximately £500-£800 per window (depending on size/materials/style) in UK homes, then over 5-10 years, you could start seeing a return.
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Additional Value Boosts
- Improved comfort & reduced reliance on heating means better enjoyment of the home.
- Higher thermal performance can improve your Home Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and potentially increase property value.
- In older or listed homes where full window replacement is difficult, adding shutters is a less disruptive step.
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What Affects ROI?
- Quality of manufacture & installation (poor fit = less gain).
- How draughty/inefficient your existing windows are (the worse they were, the greater the benefit).
- How well the rest of the home is insulated (walls/roof/floor). Shutters are one piece of the puzzle.
- Usage/occupant behaviour (leaving shutters open when not needed reduces benefit).
When Is Adding Shutters The Smart Choice?
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Older UK Properties With Traditional Sash Windows
Homes with original single-glazed sash frames often experience significant heat loss. Installing bespoke shutters (which we supply) improves their performance without altering the external façade.
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Period/Heritage Listings Where External Change Is Restricted
If you’re in a conservation area or listed building and window replacement is problematic, shutters provide a sympathetic upgrade.
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As Part Of Incremental Improvements
If you plan to replace the full window later, adding shutters now can provide an interim benefit and still integrate with your plan.
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Rooms UsedForHome-Working Or High Comfort Zones
If you spend time in certain rooms (home office, nursery, living room) where comfort matters and you face higher heating/cooling costs, shutters make sense.
Best Practice & Tips For Maximising Energy Efficiency With Shutters
- Ensure bespoke measurement and a tight fit: gaps around shutters reduce their insulation effect.
- Pair shutters with other improvements: draught-proofing sash windows improves the entire system.
- Choose quality materials (engineered wood, hardwearing hardwoods) that won’t warp or allow gaps over time.
- Use adjustable louvres effectively: in summer, tilt to allow ventilation while blocking heat; in winter, close for maximum insulation.
- Consider your overall glazing and frame condition: if single-glazed, consider double glazing + shutters for optimal result.
- Monitor your bills and comfort before and after to quantify savings and optimise usage.
Conclusion
If you’re a homeowner wondering, “Do shutters improve energy efficiency in UK homes?” the short answer is yes, when correctly specified and installed, they offer real value. They reduce heat loss, moderate temperature swings, improve comfort and contribute to longer-term savings. At The London Sash Window Company, we’ve seen many clients choose bespoke shutters as the smart, elegant upgrade that respects the character of their home while improving its performance.
Why not take the next step? Call us 020 8015 3907 or email office@londonsash.com for a free consultation. We’ll assess your property, discuss how shutters (and where appropriate other improvements like glazing or draught-proofing) can deliver value, and provide a tailor-made quote.
Let’s transform your windows from a comfort liability into an efficiency asset.