3 Projects to Prepare Your Home For Winter In Seattle

Winter is coming. Is your house prepared? Here are 3 projects you can do in Seattle to get ready for the coming season so you’re able to enjoy the great things that winter has to offer.

 

Drafts in your home result in higher energy bills. And even if our Seattle winter may be mild, fixing drafty spots can also keep your home cool come summer. You can maximize your home’s insulation and eliminate drafts by:

• Installing extra insulation to your home’s extremities. Consult with a professional to determine if your current insulation is up to snuff.

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

• Putting in energy-efficient window coverings like Polywood® plantation shutters with built-in weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate up to 70% more effectively than a common wood shutter and block as much as 30° of airflow.

• Getting an energy audit to learn how air might be escaping your home and what you can do to fix it.

2. Prevent water damage

Water damage can dampen your holiday cheer. Prior to when the temperature falls or a wet winter season begins, take precautionary measures to keep water moving where it should, rather than ending up where it could damage your house. Take a look at what you can do:

• Clear your gutters out so that water and melted snow can easily run out. Gunked up gutters can result in dams which can damage your roof or cause water to leak inside.

• Make sure your pipes are heated because frozen water pipes are likely to burst and result in major trouble for your house. Depending on your climate and home, you may want to speak with a professional about insulating pipes near the exterior of your home or even wrapping them with heat tape. Be sure to keep your thermostat at at least 55° at night, especially if you’re out and about.

3. Get Professional Inspections

You need to ensure that your house is running in tip-top form when winter comes. Yearly check-ups of key systems in the home can make sure yours is safe and energy efficient.

• Heating, AC, and water heater. Your ventilation system and water heater are two of the biggest energy users in your home. An inspection will protect your home from any mishap or inefficiency. Before winter sets in is also a great time to have your water heater flushed out to get rid of blockage.

• Chimney. Inspections allow you to 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 house is ready for winter, you can enjoy all it has to offer in Seattle, from a coffee by the fireplace to parties with family. And if you’re in the market for a new look for your home this winter, drop us a line to discuss window treatments such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any room in your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Washington at 360-464-2277 for a free in-home consultation.