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3 Projects to Prepare Your Home For Winter In Jacksonville

December 14, 2016

Winter is coming. Are you prepared? Here are 3 things you can do in Jacksonville to prepare for the season so you can enjoy all the things that winter has to offer.

Plantation shutters in a corner window 

1. Decrease drafts

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

  • Installing extra insulation to your home’s extremities. Speak with a professional to find out if your current insulation is up to snuff.

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

  • Installing energy-efficient window coverings such as Polywood® plantation shutters with added weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate up to 70% better than a normal wood shutter and block close to 30° of airflow.

  • Getting a home audit to learn where air might be escaping your home and what you can do to fix it.

Jacksonville exercise room with shuttered windows.

2. Prevent water damage

Water damage can hose down your holiday plans. Prior to when the temperature dips or a wet winter season begins, take preemptive measures to keep water moving where it should, rather than ending up where it could damage your house. Take a look at what you can do:

  • Clean your gutters of any leaves or debris so that any precipitation can flow through them. Plugged gutters can result in dams which can damage your roof or result in water leaking through your ceiling.

  • Make sure your pipes are toasty because frozen water pipes are likely to rupture and cause major trouble for your house. Hinging on your local weather and home, you’ll need to talk to a professional about insulating pipes next to exterior walls or even wrapping them with heat tape. Be sure 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 house is running in tip-top form. Yearly checks of key systems in your house can assure that your home is safe and energy efficient.

  • Heating, AC, and water heater. Your heating system and water heater are some of the most active energy sinks in your home. An HVAC and water heater inspection will protect your home from any mishap or inefficiency. Prior to winter is also the perfect time to have your water heater flushed out to get rid of blockage.

  • Chimney. Inspections allow you to make use of the ambiance of your chimney worry-free.

Jacksonville mantle with plantation shutters.

Relax and Enjoy This Winter

When your house is ready for winter, you can enjoy all it has to offer in Jacksonville, from a drink by the fireplace to game nights with family. And if you’re in the mood for a brand-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 Jacksonville at 904-289-1663 for a free in-home consultation.