Electricity bills in Australia witnessed a 7% increase in 2020. From July 2021 onwards, people in Canberra were required to pay 5 AUD more, while in Victoria, households saw the bills rise by 5 AUD a month. The country is marked by hot and humid summers, with temperatures soaring well above 40℃ in many cities. If you live in Australia and are looking for an effective solution to these problems, you should consider getting plantation shutters. They are practical, long-lasting and help you save energy while keeping your house comfortable during the summers. These are just two benefits they provide, besides several others. What are the advantages of installing them, and what types of shutters are famous in Australia? Get to know all that by reading further.
A Short History of Shutters in Australia
Plantation shutters were first used in the cotton plantations in the southern part of the USA. They were brought to Australia first by the early settlers and were made of cottonwood and pine. Modern shutters first made their appearance in the 1980s. In the 1990s, PVC shutters were introduced to the Australian market, and since then, they have been built with different materials.
Advantages of Plantations Shutters
Energy Efficient
One of the most significant advantages of shutters is that they help you to conserve energy. An average Australian household consumes almost 19kWh in a day, amounting to 2500 AUD financially. Plantation style shutters have an R-value of 4.0, which means they can effectively block heat flow. During the summers in Australia, the house is kept cool as they reduce heat flow from outside. During the winters, they keep your house warm as they retain the heat while blocking the cold air from entering your home.
They Last for a Long Time
Shutters enjoy impressive longevity. You have to get them installed just once. The sun’s rays or external weather conditions will not damage them in any way. In case any of the blades are damaged accidentally, you can quickly get them replaced. There is no need to replace the entire mountings.
You can Easily Clean Them
Another advantage of having these installed is they don’t require a lot of maintenance. You can use hand wipes or a damp cloth to clean them quickly and easily. People with breathing problems will find them particularly useful because they don’t collect dust or dirt so easily.
Offer Comfort and Privacy
Since the shutters are adjustable, you can adjust accordingly and decide how much light you want at any time of the day. The further the slatsare from each other, the brighter the room is. If you bring them close to each other, the amount of light that enters is restricted. They also provide complete privacy when closed since the blades are thick while insulating you from noise and other disturbances.
Enhance the Value of Your Property
Shutters lend a graceful appearance to your house and make it appear large and spacious. Several studies on real estate in Australia have observed that the house’s value with shutters increases over time, thus ensuring you get an impressive return on your investment.
Types of Shutters Available
The three most popular types of shutters in Australia are PVC, timber and aluminium. PVC shutters are durable, light and easily maintained, while those made of wood are non-corrosive and strong like steel. Timber shutters are relatively expensive compared to the other two but lend a classy traditional look to your property.
Plantation shutters come loaded with benefits, and no wonder they are so popular amongst house owners in Australia. A home is just incomplete without it. Get one of these installed and enjoy the spectacular benefits that they provide.
