With temperatures approaching 40°C in parts of France and the country's building stock showing significant vulnerability to extreme heat, issues around the installation of window shutters have gained traction in public debate. Unprotected windows leave residents directly exposed to sunlight, release heat absorbed by the walls and prevent heat from escaping. "A 2-square-meter bay window exposed to direct sunlight will generate about as much heat as a radiator," the Paris Climate Agency (APC) explained. "It is therefore essential to block solar radiation before it enters the building."

The choice of materials also matters. Wood conducts less heat, whereas aluminum tends to heat up in the sun. For blinds made of fabric, "it's important to consider UV resistance and waterproofing," the APC advised, emphasizing that lighter colors are best. According to the French Agency for Ecological Transition, shutters can lower indoor temperatures by 2°C when outside temperatures are very high. As a result, closing shutters during the day "can reduce the need for air conditioning by 60%."

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