How to keep a room temperate with thermal shutters
We all have a room that turns into an oven whenever summer comes around, and who doesn’t want a solution that doesn’t drive bills sky high or involve just accepting your fate and melting?
We can’t think of anyone, so we created thermal shutters as a long-term solution for rooms that have extreme temperature levels, which leave you either boiling hot or freezing cold.
What are thermal shutters?
Thermal shutters are insulated panels that you fit internally over your windows. They allow you to have a higher level of control over both the heat and light that you let into a room.
Dunster House Thermal Shutters are made to maintain temperature through their construction – timber sub-frame, stainless steel latches, PIR insulation (25mm), and 2x 5mm white composite panels. Our experience in the windows and doors industry means that we know a thing or two about high-quality windows.
Benefits
Energy Bill
Although the upfront cost of thermal shutters may give you pause, don’t let it – over time, the comfort and money you gain back make it worth it. Thermal shutters provide a year-round solution, meaning not only do you save on aircon costs in the summer, but you can also save on heating costs in the winter. One initial investment leads to years’ worth of savings on your energy bills.
Lockable security latches
You won’t get this from everyday curtains! Add an extra layer of security to your home with the ability to lock out the dangers of the outside world.
Light and Heat Control
Optional hinge placement gives you more freedom in positioning your thermal shutters, which allows you to more effectively control both light levels and heat levels. If you choose to have multiple thermal shutters, you afford yourself an even greater freedom to control these factors.
Privacy
When shut, thermal shutters help block visibility from the outside, protecting you from prying eyes. They can also significantly reduce noise pollution, creating a more private indoor environment. Say goodbye to unwanted external irritants!
Health
Sleep deprivation can be a side effect of temperatures that are either too hot or too cold. Missing a night or two may seem minor, but it can lead to more concerning health issues and lower levels of energy and happiness.
Overheating can lead to illnesses like heat exhaustion (causing tiredness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and heavy sweating) and the more severe heatstroke (high body temperature, confusion, dizziness, headache, and a rapid, strong pulse). By maintaining a stable indoor temperature, thermal shutters help prevent these heat-related issues.
The use of thermal shutters can help prevent allergens from entering your home uninvited. This is especially beneficial in hay-fever season, and by keeping them out of your house, you could avoid having to heavily rely on medicine and generally maintain a better quality of life whilst in the comfort of your home.
Environmental
We’re committed to reducing environmental impact, starting with our production methods. By using advanced equipment like RCS machines and optimising every step of our manufacturing process, we lower energy use and material waste. The result is smarter, cleaner production that delivers great performance without compromising the planet. And if that wasn’t enough, you can reduce the energy usage in your own home (while keeping bills down!).
Use with other cooling solutions
Using thermal shutters together with other cooling methods can be an excellent strategy, as thermal shutters can complement other methods.
Air Conditioning
Would you rather have the heat, light or the noise from the aircon keeping you up, or stopping you from relaxing or affecting your performance at work? How about none of the above with a new combo, thermal shutters and relaxation.
Thermal shutters enhance aircon efficiency by maintaining cool temperatures longer, meaning your unit can be on less. Having to use the air conditioning less translates to lower bills, quieter nights, and more peace. You get the benefits of cooling without the constant drone or overuse of the aircon.
Brise Soleil
Temperature control from the outside in—and inside out. Brise Soleil can block direct sunlight during the day, reducing indoor heat gain. Thermal shutters then take over inside, locking in your desired temperature. Together, they form a powerful two-tier system that can optimise comfort and energy efficiency.
Windows
Passive cooling from open windows or natural airflow can be helpful, but at times it’s unreliable. Your space will gain heat as the day grows hotter.
Thermal shutters add control back into the equation. They mitigate weather shifts and help retain coolness when passive methods fall short. This will take some planning on your part – time your thermal shutter use for hot periods, if you wish to keep your house cooler and vice versa.
Thermal shutter placement
Recess Mount
A recess mount is characterised by fitting shutters within the window sill.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Clean, integrated look—shutters sit flush inside the window frame |
Requires a deep enough recess; many modern windows don’t have enough depth |
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Saves room in the room since shutters don’t stick out |
Eliminates the use of the window sill—can’t put things on it if the shutters sit inside the frame |
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Usage flexibility – this choice allows you to do more with your walls and outside the recess |
Installation can be trickier and/or more expensive |
Wall Mount
A wall mount is when your shutters are fixed to the wall just outside the window sill.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Works even if the window recess is too shallow or unusable |
Takes up some wall space around the window, which might limit furniture placement |
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Better at blocking light and drafts because they cover the entirety of the window area |
Looks bulkier since shutters stick out from the wall |
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Leaves the window sill free for use—can still put plants, decor, etc. |
May block part of the wall, so less flexibility for hanging pictures or shelves near windows |
If your window recess is deep enough and you want a sleek, space-saving look, go recess mount. But if recess depth is tight or you want to keep the sill usable, a wall mount is the practical choice.
Planning your shutter hinge setup
Opening Direction
- Left or Right Hinges?
Choose based on room layout. Don’t block furniture, doorways, or light switches. - Daily Use Matters.
Pick the side that feels most natural to open every day.
Control & Flexibility
- More Panels = More Control.
Open part of the shutter system for airflow, keep some shut for privacy. - Fewer Panels = All or Nothing.
Great for simplicity, not so great for flexibility. - Think Usage.
Do you want it fully open often, or just crack it for breeze and light?
Thermal Shutters can offer multiple benefits alongside keeping your room cool, so what are you waiting for? Discover your perfect thermal shutter design today!
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