3 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter In New York

Winter is coming. Are you prepared? Here are 3 projects you can do in New York to prep for the coming season so you’re able to enjoy the great things that winter offers.

 

Drafts in your home result in higher energy costs. And even if the New York winter might be mild, servicing drafty areas can also keep your home cool in the summer. You can increase your home’s insulation and reduce drafts by:

• Installing extra insulation to your home’s extremities. Speak with a professional to determine if your current insulation is enough.

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

• Installing energy-efficient window coverings like Polywood® plantation shutters with integrated weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate up to 70% better than a traditional wood shutter and block as much as 30 degrees of airflow through the window.

• Getting a home audit to find how air might be seeping out of your house and what can be done to fix it.

2. Protect against water damage

Water damage can dampen your holiday plans. Before the temperature drops too low or a wet winter season begins, take preventative measures to keep water moving where it should, rather than finding its way to where it might damage your house. Steps to take include:

• Clean your gutters of blockage so that water and melted snow can flow through them. Obstructed gutters can lead to dams which can damage your roof or cause water to leak into your house.

• Keep your pipes warm because frozen water pipes are likely to rupture and cause major trouble for your house. Depending on your local weather and home, you’ll need to talk to a professional about insulating pipes next to exterior walls or even wrapping heat tape around them. Remember to keep your thermostat at no lower than 55 degrees at night, especially if you’re out and about.

3. Take Advantage of Home Inspections

When winter begins, you need to ensure that your home is running in tip-top shape. Annual checks of key systems in the home can assure that yours is safe and energy efficient.

• Ventilation and water heater. Your heating system and water heater are two of the most active energy sinks in your house. An inspection will protect your home from any mishap or inefficiency. This time of year is also the perfect time to have your water heater flushed out to prevent buildup.

• Chimney. Inspections allow you to make use 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 it has to offer in New York, from a drink by the fireplace to get-togethers with friends. And if you’re in the mood for a stylish new look for your place this winter, drop us a line to discuss window coverings such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any space in your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters New York at 631-246-3930 for a free in-home consultation.