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3 Projects to Get Your Home Ready For Winter In Hartford

December 14, 2016

Winter is coming. Is your home ready? Here are 3 things you can do in Hartford to get ready for the season so you can enjoy everything that winter offers.

Plantation shutters in a corner window 

1. Decrease drafts

Drafts in your space mean higher energy bills. And even if the Hartford winter may be mild, servicing drafty rooms can also keep your house cool come summer. You can increase your home’s insulation and lessen drafts by:

  • Installing extra insulation to your attic and/or crawlspace. Consult with a professional to find out if your current situation is enough.

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

  • Installing energy-efficient window treatments such as Polywood® plantation shutters with integrated weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate nearly 70% better than a common wood shutter and block up to 30° of airflow.

  • Getting a home audit to see how air might be leaking out of your home and what extra steps you can take to fix it.

Hartford fitness room with shuttered windows.

2. Prevent water damage

Water damage can hose down your holiday plans. Prior to when the temperature falls or a wet winter season begins, take preemptive measures to keep water moving where it should, rather than going where it could damage your house. Here’s what you can do:

  • Clear your gutters out so that any precipitation 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 heated because frozen water pipes may rupture and result in major interior damage. Depending on your local weather and home, you may want to talk to a professional about insulating pipes next to exterior walls or even wrapping them with heat tape. Remember to keep your thermostat at at least 55° at night, especially if you’re away from home.

3. Take Advantage of Home Inspections

When winter starts, you need to make sure your home is running in perfect form. Yearly inspections of key systems in your house can assure that your home is safe and energy efficient.

  • HVAC and water heater. Your HVAC and water heater are two of the most active energy sinks in your house. An HVAC and water heater inspection will safeguard you from malfunction. Prior to winter is also the perfect time to have your water heater flushed out to prevent buildup.

  • Chimney. Inspections allow you to take advantage of the ambiance of your fireplace without worrying about soot buildup.

Hartford fireplace with plantation shutters.

Relax and Enjoy The Season

When your home is prepared for winter, you can enjoy everything it has to offer in Hartford, from a drink by the fireplace to game nights with family. And if you’re in the market for a new look for your space this winter, contact us to discuss window coverings such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any part of your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Connecticut at 860-266-5459 for a complimentary in-home consultation.