3 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter In Gainesville

Winter is coming. Is your home ready? Here are 3 things you can do in Gainesville to prepare for the coming season so you can relax and enjoy all the things that winter brings with it.

 

Drafts in your room mean higher energy bills. And even if the Gainesville winter is mild, fixing drafty areas can also keep your house cool in the summer. You can increase your home’s insulation and eliminate drafts by:

• Adding extra insulation to your crawlspace and attic. Speak with a professional to determine if your current situation is up to snuff.

• Inspecting your windows and doors for any gaps or leaks that you find.

• Putting in energy-efficient window treatments like Polywood® plantation shutters with integrated weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate nearly 70% better than a common wood shutter and block up to 30 degrees of airflow.

• Getting a home audit to learn where air may be seeping out of your home and what you can do to fix it.

2. Go on the offensive against water damage

Water damage can hose down your winter fun. Before the temperature falls or the wet season starts, take preventative measures to keep water where it belongs, instead of going where it could damage your home. Here’s what you can do:

• Clean your gutters out so that water and melted snow can flow through them. Gunked up gutters can result in dams which can harm your roof or result in water leaking through your ceiling.

• Make sure your pipes are warm since frozen water pipes can rupture and cause major damage to your home. Hinging on your climate and home, you’ll need to speak with a professional about insulating pipes next to exterior walls or even wrapping heat tape around them. Remember to keep your thermostat at at least 55 degrees on chilly nights, especially if you’re out and about.

3. Get Professional Inspections

You want to make sure your house is running in perfect shape when winter comes. Yearly checks of key systems in your house can assure that your home is safe and energy efficient.

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

• Chimney. Inspections let you take advantage of the ambiance of your fireplace while being confident that your chimney is safe to run.

Relax and Enjoy The Season

When your home is prepared for winter, you can enjoy all the season offers in Gainesville, from cocoa by the fireplace to gatherings with friends. And if you’re in the mood for a stylish new look for your home this winter, contact us to discuss window treatments such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any room in your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Gainesville at 813-602-5966 for a free in-home consultation.