Are Shutters Energy Efficient?

External View of Rolling Shutters Installed at Window

Energy-efficient shutters can reduce your energy bills by around 20 to 30%, as they prevent hot air from passing through the window.

In the winter, you’ll reduce your heating bills as hot air will remain in your home, while in the summer, you’ll reduce your AC and HVAC bills by preventing hot air from entering.

Roller shutters, in particular, are widely respected for their energy efficiency, given their strong metal construction and tight seal.

In this guide, we’ll answer which shutters are best for energy efficiency in homes, so you can make the right investment for your home.

Which Shutters Are Best for Energy Efficiency?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the best energy-efficient shutters are exterior shutters, as they fit snug over the window.

Each shutter should have an ‘R’ (Thermal Resistance) rating, which indicates how well it prevents hot air from passing through the shutter.

Rollac’s high-quality exterior roller shutters (with an R-1.5+ rating) use foam-insulated cores, with an air gap block heat before it reaches the glass. This provides an extra layer of protection between the outside and your inside air.

Alternatively, interior plantation shutters (with a R-3 to R-6 rating) are good at reducing drafts, but don’t prevent heat from entering the home.

Faux wood shutters (that use materials like PVC or solid polymer) are also very good for interior insulation, as they create air pockets, but aren’t so good at preventing hot air from getting into the home.

How Rolling Shutters Improve Energy Efficiency?

If there is one thing our rolling shutters are known for here at Rollac, it is their energy efficiency. Since they are regularly installed on residential properties as well as all types of commercial businesses, such as pharmacies and storefronts, our shutters are made with a highly specialized foam-filled core, sealed air gap, and precision weather-tight edges that together create a powerful thermal barrier.

The foam core acts as an insulating layer, minimizing heat transfer through the shutter slats. The narrow air gap between the shutter and window functions like double-pane glazing-trapping still air to reduce conductive and convective heat loss. Finally, the perimeter weather seals block drafts and prevent conditioned air from escaping.

Working in tandem, these features significantly increase the shutter’s R-value, keeping interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter. By reducing heat loss and gain. Rollac Shutters help lower HVAC strain, stabilize indoor temperatures, and contribute to long-term energy savings. In the meantime, the thermal reflective paint finish adds another layer of defense, reflecting solar radiation, ensuring that exterior surfaces remain up to 10°F cooler for year-round comfort and efficiency.

The Science Behind Insulated Rolling Shutters

Science is behind the true power of Rollac’s thermal roller shutters, using a multi-layered thermal barrier. Here’s a deeper look at explaining whether shutters are energy efficient:

Foam Insulation

A combination of foam-density insulation, reflective coatings, and thermal paint reduces heat transfer further, helping to reduce the feeling of even the most severe heatwaves.
Inside, the dense polyurethane foam within the shutter slats traps air and prevents heat from passing through the material.

Thermal Paint

On the surface, the specialized thermal paint and reflective topcoat work together to deflect solar radiation, helping the exterior surface stay up to 10°F cooler on hot summer days.
This difference not only boosts comfort but also decreases strain on your HVAC system, meaning it won’t have to work as hard to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

Manual vs Electric Shutters

Manual shutters are a perfect way to obtain energy savings at a lower price.
Electric shutters from Rollac feature remote controls and collision-avoidance technology that automatically halts movement if an obstacle is detected.
They also deliver privacy and storm protection, having been tested to withstand winds exceeding 80 miles per hour.
Motorized roller shutters also let you raise or lower them from anywhere using the MyLink app.
For example, on a hot afternoon, you can close your shutters remotely before heading home—ensuring your interior stays cool and comfortable while conserving energy throughout the day.

Do Roller Shutters Reduce Heat and Cooling Costs?

AC Energy Savings

Energy-efficient window shutters lower surface heat and reduce solar gain, creating a noticeably cooler indoor environment even during peak summer conditions.
Independent studies have shown that this stable interior climate reduces AC runtime and potential yearly energy savings of 20-30%.
By keeping heat out and comfort in, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work nearly as hard to maintain your desired temperature, resulting in lower energy bills and longer equipment life.

Light Control

You’ll also be able to control the amount of light entering your windows, preventing strong UV rays from damaging your skin and eyes.
Thermal roller shutters minimize UV exposure that causes floors, furniture, and fabrics to fade.
The result is a cooler, more energy-efficient home or business where your interior surfaces and furnishings stay protected year-round.

Heat Cost Savings

Studies show that energy-efficient window shutters can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 20 to 30%.

Seasonal Benefits: Winter Retention

When the first snowflakes start to fall, it’s that same insulation that acts as a thermal blanket, trapping heat indoors and preventing it from escaping through glass surfaces. The sealed air gap and weather-tight edges reduce drafts, helping your furnace maintain a steady temperature without constant cycling. As a result, interior rooms stay warmer for longer, even during the coldest of winter weather.

Unlike standard blinds or fabric shades that merely filter light, Rollac shutters provide proper thermal retention, preserving indoor comfort and lowering HVAC strain year-round. Whether it’s keeping the summer sun at bay or holding in winter warmth, they provide consistent climate control and lasting energy efficiency in any season.

Energy-efficient Hurricane Protection

Rollac’s impact-rated hurricane shutters are engineered not only for strength, but also for year-round energy efficiency. Designed to withstand severe winds, flying debris, and pressure changes during major storms, these shutters provide reliable protection that extends well beyond hurricane season.

Thanks to the fact that they share the same foam-insulated core and weather-sealed design found in our energy-efficient rolling shutters, they also serve as a thermal barrier, reducing both heat gain and heat loss. This dual function means that when you secure your home against a storm, you’re also improving insulation and lowering energy consumption.

If you’re weighing your options, explore why hurricane shutters are worth the cost and how they compare across different shutter types and price points. You’ll find that beyond impact resistance, Rollac’s systems deliver exceptional value through durability, comfort, and long-term savings.

It’s also smart to start early-our experts offer guidance on preparing for hurricane season to ensure your property is ready before a storm arrives. Unlike standard storm panels that provide protection only during emergencies, Rollac’s hurricane shutters double as everyday weather defense, keeping interiors cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and safe year-round.

It’s a seamless blend of protection and performance, proving that energy efficiency and storm security can go hand in hand.

Start Energy Saving Today

Instead of putting it off and continuing to pay higher heating and cooling costs, contact Rollac today and learn about the energy savings you need and deserve. Whether it’s your home or business, installing Rollac rolling shutters on your property’s exterior will be one of the wisest decisions you’ll ever make.

FAQs on Energy-Efficient Shutters

Are roller shutters energy efficient?

Insulated exterior shutters are the most energy efficient, offering around 20 to 30% reduction in energy bills.

How much energy do roller shutters save?

Roller shutters are estimated to save around 20 to 30% in energy per year, thanks to reduced A/C, HVAC, and heating use.

Do roller shutters reduce heat out in summer?

Yes. Rollac’s thermal shutters keep heat out in the summer, thanks to a multi-layered thermal barrier that includes foam insulation and thermal paint.

Do shutters help reduce insurance costs?

Yes. But only for those that are hurricane or security-proofed. Decorative interior shutters will not qualify. Rollac’s roll-down shutters are certified in certain states and can qualify for reduced insurance costs.