Rolladens offer hedge against power costs

Real estate broker Bette Leal has prepared for the possibility of higher power bills this summer.

A resident of Las Vegas since 1963, Leal had Rolladen Rolling Shutters installed recently on her 2,800-square-foot, two-story home at Las Vegas Country Club.

Although she has yet to experience a summer with the shutters, Leal is already a big fan of the product, which has provided her with security and protection against the elements.

"I want to be able to travel during the summer and keep the house cool," Leal said. "I also like the cocoon feeling that the shutters provide. They're great for day sleepers, as well."

Leal said she particularly appreciates that the shutters can be kept in a vented position to allow light.

"When the shutters are in the vented position, I have the best of both worlds," she said.

Leal believes the shutters add value to a home. Her real estate transactions include homes within her country club, where the shutters have proved popular.

The shutters are foam-filled aluminum slats placed over doors, windows or even doggie doors. Operated either manually or electrically, they can cut power consumption as much as 64 percent, according to the manufacturer.

The shutters were introduced in Southern Nevada more than 17 years ago, however the company said the prospect of power rate hikes has boosted the product's popularity in the past year.

"People are really frightened about soaring power bills," said Bianca Minnozzi, who handles sales for the company. "I hear these concerns all the time, and we're encouraging people to get their orders in early.

"As soon as the heat hits here, we're going to be swamped with calls for help."

Minnozzi said the company is offering free labor on the installation of shutters throughout March. She said a 2,500-square-foot, two-story residence could have installation costs as high as $2,000.

The local franchise is located at 6168 W. Charleston Blvd., just west of Jones Boulevard. The showroom is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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