Did you know that wood shutters are great natural insulators? Wooden shutters are far more than decorative; their original purpose was to keep the elements out. With energy costs rising, they can be used to lower your utility bills. That is why houses and businesses in decades past all had shutters and ceiling fans.

The introduction of heating and air conditioning made us less reliant on ceiling fans and shutters but the rising cost of energy makes it wise to once again use them for their intended purpose: to keep our homes cooler or warmer.

Stand near a window when the sun is shining on it and touch it with your hand. No matter how cold it is outside that window will be extremely warm. On cold days and especially when the wind is blowing directly on your windows, the area near them will be colder than other areas.

During the summer you can close the shutters on the window the sun shines on directly. In the summer, keep the shutters closed on the window where the north wind blows strongest. You can adjust your shutters quickly seasonally, daily, or when a storm is predicted.

Besides lowering the cost of heating and cooling your home, shutters also protect your draperies, furniture, flooring and carpeting from UV damage from sunlight. Did you know that three of the four most commonly used types of carpet (wool, nylon and olefin) have poor resistance to sunlight? Only polyester has good sunlight resistance and even it can be damaged.

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.

Sun damages your furniture just as much as it does your draperies and carpets. Wood dries out, upholstery fabrics fade, streak and rot, and leather furniture is especially susceptible. Furniture should be positioned out of the direct sun or protected by closing your shutters.

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.

Save money and get superior quality Exterior Wood Shutters by buying directly from the manufacturer. Manufacturers can be difficult to find so go to Frank Wright’s Hubpage for more details and where to buy Wooden Shutters. Don’t miss the beautiful photograph slide show there.