3 Ways to Winterize Your Home In Chicago

Winter is coming. Are you prepared? Here are 3 projects you can do in Chicago to prep for the coming season so you can relax and enjoy everything that winter has to offer.

 

Drafts in your space mean higher energy costs. And even if the Chicago winter may be mild, fixing drafty rooms can also keep your house cool in the summer. You can maximize your home’s insulation and minimize drafts by:

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

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

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

• Getting a home audit to learn where air might be leaking out of your home and what can be done to fix it.

2. Protect against water damage

Water damage can dampen your holiday cheer. Prior to when the temperature falls or the wet season starts, take precautionary measures to keep water moving where it should, instead of ending up where it could damage your house. Take a look at what you can do:

• Clear your gutters of blockage so that any precipitation can easily run out. Obstructed gutters can result in dams which can harm your roof or result in water leaking inside.

• Make sure your pipes are toasty because frozen water pipes are likely to 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. Be sure to keep your thermostat at no lower than 55 degrees at night, especially if you’re out and about.

3. Get Professional Inspections

You want to ensure that your house is running in perfect shape when winter starts. Annual check-ups of the most important systems in your house can make sure 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 house. An inspection will make sure your systems are efficient and safe. Before winter sets in is also an ideal 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 without worrying about soot buildup.

Relax and Enjoy This Winter

Once your home is ready for winter, you can enjoy everything the season offers in Chicago, from a coffee by the fireplace to gatherings with guests. And if you’re in the mood for a stylish new look for your home this winter, get in touch with us to discuss window treatments such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any part of your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Chicago at 847-250-6544 for a complimentary in-home consultation.