3 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter In Clearwater

Winter is coming. Are you ready? Here are 3 projects you can do in Clearwater to prepare for the season so you can enjoy everything that winter brings with it.

 

Drafts in your home mean higher energy costs. And even if our Clearwater winter might be mild, servicing drafty spots can also make sure your home stays cool come summer. You can improve your home’s insulation and reduce drafts by:

• Adding extra insulation to your attic and/or crawlspace. Consult with a professional to learn if your current situation is sufficient.

• Testing your doors and windows for leaks and caulking gaps that you find.

• Putting in energy-efficient window coverings such as Polywood® plantation shutters with added weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate up to 70% better than a traditional wood shutter and block as much as 30° of airflow.

• Getting an energy audit to find how air is seeping out of your home and what can be done to fix it.

2. Go on the offensive against water damage

Water damage can dampen your holiday plans. Prior to when the temperature falls or a wet winter season begins, take preventative measures to keep water moving where it should, instead of going where it might damage your house. Here’s what you can do:

• Clean your gutters of blockage so that any precipitation can easily run out. Obstructed gutters can lead to dams which can damage your roof or result in water leaking into your house.

• Keep your pipes heated since frozen water pipes can rupture and result in major interior damage. Hinging on your local weather and home, you’ll need to speak with a professional about insulating pipes near the exterior of your home or even wrapping heat tape around them. Be sure to keep your thermostat at no lower than 55° at night, especially if you’re out of town.

3. Get Professional Inspections

You want to ensure that your house is running in perfect form when winter comes. Annual inspections of the most important systems in your house can assure that yours is safe and energy efficient.

• Heating, AC, and water heater. Your ventilation system and water heater are some of the most notable energy users in your home. An inspection will safeguard you from malfunction. Prior to winter is also an ideal time to have your water heater flushed out to remove buildup.

• Chimney. Inspections let you enjoy the ambiance of your chimney without worrying about soot buildup.

Enjoy This Winter

Once your house is prepared for winter, you can enjoy everything it has to offer in Clearwater, from cocoa by the fireplace to game nights with friends. And if you’re in the market for a new look for your space this winter, get in touch with us to discuss window coverings such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any part of your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Clearwater at 813-580-7288 for a free in-home consultation.