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3 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter In Sacramento

December 14, 2016

Winter is coming. Is your home ready? Here are 3 things you can do in Sacramento to prepare for the coming season so you’re able to enjoy the great things that winter has to offer.

Plantation shutters in a corner window 

1. Reduce drafts

Drafts in your room result in higher energy costs. And even if the Sacramento winter might be mild, servicing drafty areas can also keep your home cool come summer. You can improve your home’s insulation and minimize drafts by:

  • Installing extra insulation to your attic and/or crawlspace. Talk with a professional to learn if your current insulation is sufficient.

  • Testing your windows and doors for air moving through any gaps that you find.

  • Installing energy-efficient window coverings like Polywood® plantation shutters with built-in weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate up to 70% more effectively than a normal wood shutter and impede up to 30° of airflow through the window.

  • Getting an energy audit to see where air might be escaping your home and what extra steps you can take to fix it.

Sacramento home gym with shuttered windows.

2. Prevent water damage

Water damage can ruin your holiday fun. Before the temperature dips or a wet winter season begins, take precautionary measures to keep water where it belongs, instead of finding its way to where it might damage your house. Here’s what you can do:

  • Clear your gutters of blockage so that any precipitation can easily run out. Plugged gutters can lead to dams which can damage your roof or result in water leaking through your ceiling.

  • Make sure your pipes are toasty since frozen water pipes are likely to rupture and cause major trouble for your house. Hinging on your local weather and home, you may want to consult 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 Your Home Inspected

When winter begins, you need to ensure that your house is running in top form. Annual checks of the most important systems in your house can ensure yours is safe and energy efficient.

  • HVAC and water heater. Your ventilation system and water heater are some of the most notable energy sinks in your home. An inspection will protect your home from any mishap or inefficiency. This time of year is also an ideal time to have your water heater flushed out to remove buildup.

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

Sacramento fireplace with white shutters.

Enjoy This Winter

When your home is prepared for winter, you can enjoy all it has to offer in Sacramento, from a night by the fireplace to gatherings with friends. And if you’re in the market for a stylish new look for your home this winter, get in touch with us to discuss window coverings such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any room in your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Sacramento at 916-665-0078 for a complimentary in-home consultation.