3 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter In Boston

Winter is coming. Is your house prepared? Here are 3 things you can do in Boston to prepare for the season so you can relax and enjoy everything that winter brings with it.

Drafts in your space mean higher energy bills. And even if our Boston winter may be mild, fixing drafty rooms can also keep your house cool come summer. You can improve your home’s insulation and eliminate drafts by:

• Installing extra insulation to your home’s extremities. Talk with a professional to see if your current situation is up to snuff.

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

• Installing energy-efficient window coverings like Polywood® plantation shutters with added weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate nearly 70% better than a regular wood shutter and block close to 30 degrees of airflow through the window.

• Getting an energy audit to see how air may be seeping out of your home and what you can do to fix it.

2. Go on the offensive against water damage

Water damage can hose down your winter plans. Prior to when the temperature falls or the wet season starts, take preemptive measures to keep water where it belongs, instead of finding its way to where it could damage your home. Take a look at what you can do:

• Clean your gutters of blockage so that water and melted snow can flow through them. Blocked gutters can result in dams which can harm your roof or result in water leaking into your house.

• Keep your pipes heated because frozen water pipes may rupture and result in major interior damage. Hinging on your local weather and home, you’ll need to speak with a professional about insulating pipes next to exterior walls or even wrapping them with heat tape. Remember to keep your thermostat at no lower than 55° on chilly nights, especially if you’re out of town.

3. Get Professional Inspections

You want to ensure that your home is running in tip-top form when winter starts. Annual inspections of key systems in your house can ensure yours is safe and energy efficient.

• Heating, AC, and water heater. Your ventilation system and water heater are some of the biggest energy sinks in your home. An HVAC and water heater inspection will protect your home from any mishap or inefficiency. This time of year is also a great time to get your water heater flushed out to get rid of blockage.

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

Relax and Enjoy The Season

Once your house is properly equipped for winter, you can enjoy everything the season offers in Boston, from a night by the fireplace to get-togethers with guests. And if you’re in the market for a brand-new look for your space this winter, drop us a line to discuss window treatments such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any space in your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Boston at 781-352-2205 for a free in-home consultation.