3 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter In Baltimore

Winter is coming. Is your home ready? Here are 3 things you can do in Baltimore to prep for the season so you’re able to enjoy all the things that winter offers.

 

Drafts in your home result in higher energy bills. And even if the Baltimore winter may be mild, fixing drafty rooms can also keep your home cool during the summer. You can improve your home’s insulation and minimize drafts by:

• Adding extra insulation to your attic and/or crawlspace. Talk with a professional to see if your current situation is up to snuff.

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

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

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

2. Protect against water damage

Water damage can dampen your holiday plans. Prior to when the temperature falls or the wet season starts, take precautionary measures to keep water where it belongs, rather than ending up where it could damage your home. 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 harm your roof or cause water to leak inside.

• Keep your pipes warm because frozen water pipes can rupture and result in major damage to your home. Hinging on your local weather and home, you may want to consult a professional about insulating pipes near the exterior of your home or even wrapping heat tape around them. Remember to keep your thermostat at no lower than 55° on chilly nights, especially if you’re away from home.

3. Get Professional Inspections

You need to make sure your home is running in tip-top shape when winter comes. Yearly inspections of key systems in the home can assure that yours is safe and energy efficient.

• HVAC and water heater. Your heating system and water heater are two of the most notable energy hogs in your house. An HVAC and water heater 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 let you enjoy the ambiance of your chimney worry-free.

Enjoy The Season

When your home is prepared for winter, you can enjoy all the season offers in Baltimore, from a coffee by the fireplace to get-togethers with friends. And if you’re looking for a new look for your space this winter, contact us to discuss window treatments such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any part of your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Baltimore at 301-321-7998 for a free in-home consultation.