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3 Ways to Get Your Home Ready For Winter In Tampa

December 14, 2016

Winter is coming. Are you ready? Here are 3 things you can do in Tampa to get ready for the season so you’re able to enjoy the great things that winter has to offer.

Plantation shutters in a corner window 

1. Reduce drafts

Drafts in your room result in higher energy costs. And even if our Tampa winter might be mild, servicing drafty rooms can also keep your house cool in the summer. You can improve your home’s insulation and minimize drafts by:

  • Adding extra insulation to your crawlspace and attic. Consult with a professional to see if your current situation is sufficient.

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

  • Installing energy-efficient window treatments like Polywood® plantation shutters with added weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate up to 70% better than a normal wood shutter and repel up to 30 degrees of airflow through the window.

  • Getting an energy audit to see how air might be escaping your house and what you can do to fix it.

Tampa fitness room with shuttered windows.

2. Go on the offensive against water damage

Water damage can dampen your holiday cheer. Prior to when the temperature drops too low or the wet season starts, take precautionary measures to keep water where it belongs, instead of ending up where it might 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 lead to dams which can damage your roof or cause water to leak through your ceiling.

  • Keep your pipes warm because frozen water pipes are likely to rupture and result in major interior damage. Hinging on your climate and home, you’ll need to talk to 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 at least 55 degrees on chilly nights, especially if you’re out and about.

3. Get Your Home Inspected

You want to ensure that your house is running in perfect shape when winter starts. Yearly checks of key systems in the home can ensure yours is safe and energy efficient.

  • Ventilation and water heater. Your HVAC and water heater are some of the biggest energy sinks in your home. An inspection will protect your home from any mishap or inefficiency. This time of year is also the perfect time to get your water heater flushed out to prevent blockage.

  • Chimney. Inspections allow you to enjoy the ambiance of your chimney without worrying about soot buildup.

Tampa fireplace with white shutters.

Enjoy The Season

When your home is prepared for winter, you can enjoy everything it has to offer in Tampa, from cocoa by the fireplace to parties 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 part of your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Tampa at 813-580-7288 for a free in-home consultation.