Are plantation shutters a good investment? Will you save money on your electric bills? Do plantation shutters add value to your home?
Plantation shutters are fast becoming the most popular window covering in Australia, but are they all they’re cracked up to be? Are plantation shutters a good investment? Can they save you money on your electric bills? And do plantation shutters genuinely add value to your home?
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at these questions and tell you everything you need to know on the subject.
Will you save money on your electric bills?
Today more than ever, finding ways to reduce your energy consumption has never been more important. Not only does reducing your household’s carbon footprint help you do your bit for the environment, but it’s also kinder to your wallet as well.
Times aren’t cheap and, what with rising costs, saving money wherever possible is always worth an investment.
Yes, quality plantation shutters are one of the most expensive window coverings, however, the money-saving potential (not to mention the other amazing benefits) make it all the more worth it.
The fact is, that plantation shutters provide exceptional temperature regulation benefits.
During the winter months: plantation shutters form a seal and create excellent insulation. Keeping your windows and shutters closed will significantly reduce the amount of heat that would otherwise be lost without plantation shutters installed (up to 64%). That way, you won’t need to keep your heating on for as long – thus providing you with great saving potential during the winter months. (Particularly good for those in the Southern Eastern states).
During the summertime: in the summer – particularly in Australia – it can get unbearably hot. Just as they can be used to keep the heat in during the winter, they can similarly be used to keep the heat out in the summer. Not only that, but by opening the louvres (slats), you can allow a light breeze through on a summer day while keeping the bulk of the sun’s warmth out and creating more of a barrier reducing the number of insects that enter your home as well. Simply put, plantation shutters will enable you to keep your home at a comfortable temperature without having to keep your air-conditioning running at full blast all day. (Good news for us in Western Australia).
All in all, plantation shutters can quite easily save up to 25% on your heating and cooling costs. Those savings might not seem to be all that much in the short term but given the fact that quality plantation shutters can easily last up to 50 years or more, the long-term potential for savings is huge!
Do plantation shutters add value to your home?
Another common question that people ask is whether plantation shutters genuinely add value to your home. Is it just something that people say to round up their list of benefits, or is it rooted in fact?
In short, the answer is yes: adding plantation shutters to your home will indeed increase its overall market value. This is due to several reasons, such as:
They’re low maintenance
Elegant and attractive aesthetic
Energy-efficient with great cost-saving potential.
For every $1000 AUD spent on plantation shutters, it will add roughly $2,000 to $3,000 of value to your home.
But, it’s not just the monetary value that plantation shutters offer, but the overall ‘buy ability’ as well. Homes with plantation shutters have greater curb appeal and prospective home buyers will be much more likely to register their interest in buying a home with quality plantation shutters than homes without.
So, even if you do not have any plans to sell up and move home any time soon, it’s nice knowing that in such an event, not only will you be able to fetch a higher asking price, but you’ll have a much easier time of getting it sold.
Are plantation shutters a good investment?
So, are plantation shutters really a good investment? Absolutely! The fact that they can reduce your energy bills and add value to your home are just two of the benefits that they bring. Here’s a quick look at some of the other advantages that they boast:
Plantation shutters provide far better light control than curtains and blinds.
They have a timeless design that has been popular for centuries
Easy to maintain and keep clean (a simple dusting and wipe with a wet cloth is plenty)
Can come in a variety of materials and colours to suit your favoured décor
Help to regulate noise pollution
Quality plantation shutters that are well looked after can last up to 50 years and beyond.
Ultimately, when you invest in quality plantation shutters they will likely be the only window covering you will ever need. Certainly, if you reach a point where you want to change up the style of your home you can switch things up with an alternative window covering, however, the fact that they boast such excellent longevity means that they can be the window covering to end all window coverings!
Again, the initial investment for plantation shutters is typically higher than most other window covering alternatives, however, it is a one-off payment that brings a wide variety of unbeatable advantages. That, and there are many material options to choose from – some of which are comparably low in cost.
Additionally, plantation shutters are a breeze compared to certain, less desirable window coverings, such as blinds. Regular blinds can be a nightmare to clean and maintain. They’re easy to get tangled and can be the source of much frustration. Plantation shutters on the other hand function wonderfully and are practically effortless to use.
Final words
Ultimately, it depends on your personal tastes and what you are looking to achieve. If plantation shutters do not appeal to you from an aesthetic perspective, then perhaps for you they wouldn’t be the best investment. However, aside from their appearance, with so many practical advantages over curtains and regular blinds, it really is a no-brainer!
If you are in WA and you would like to learn more about the advantages plantation shutters can offer you, or if you would like to explore the various material choices and decide on which is the best option for you, please do not hesitate to contact us today. One of our friendly experts will gladly answer any questions that you may have and help point you in the right direction.