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3 Ways to Get Your Home Ready For Winter In Cincinnati

December 14, 2016

Winter is coming. Are you ready? Here are 3 things you can do in Cincinnati to get ready for the coming season so you can enjoy everything that winter has to offer.

Plantation shutters in a corner window 

1. Decrease drafts

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

  • Putting in extra insulation to your home’s extremities. Talk with a professional to learn if your current insulation is sufficient.

  • Testing your windows and doors for leaks and caulking gaps that you find.

  • Putting in energy-efficient window coverings such as Polywood® plantation shutters with integrated weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate up to 70% more effectively than a traditional wood shutter and repel as much as 30 degrees of airflow.

  • Getting an energy audit to see how air is leaking out of your house and what you can do to fix it.

Cincinnati exercise room with shuttered windows.

2. Prevent water damage

Water damage can hose down your holiday fun. Before the temperature dips or a wet winter season begins, take precautionary measures to keep water flowing where it was designed to go, instead of finding its way to where it could damage your house. Here’s what you can do:

  • Clear your gutters of any leaves or debris so that any precipitation can flow through them. Obstructed gutters can result in dams which can damage your roof or result in water leaking into your house.

  • Keep your pipes toasty since frozen water pipes are likely to rupture and result in major damage to your home. Hinging on your local weather and home, you’ll need to consult a professional about insulating pipes near the exterior of your home or even wrapping heat tape around them. Be sure to keep your thermostat at no lower than 55 degrees at all times, especially if you’re out and about.

3. Get Professional Inspections

When winter begins, you need to make sure your home is running in perfect form. Yearly check-ups of the most important systems in the home can assure that your home is safe and energy efficient.

  • Ventilation and water heater. Your HVAC and water heater are two of the most active energy hogs in your home. An HVAC and water heater inspection will make sure your systems are efficient and safe. Prior to winter 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 chimney worry-free.

Cincinnati fireplace with plantation shutters.

Relax and Enjoy This Winter

When your house is prepared for winter, you can enjoy everything it has to offer in Cincinnati, from cocoa by the fireplace to parties with friends. And if you’re looking for a stylish new look for your space this winter, contact us to discuss window coverings such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any room in your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Cincinnati at 513-216-9740 for a free in-home consultation.