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3 Projects to Winterize Your Home In Honolulu

December 14, 2016

Winter is coming. Are you ready? Here are 3 projects you can do in Honolulu to get ready for the season so you’re able to enjoy the great things that winter brings with it.

Plantation shutters in a corner window 

1. Minimize drafts

Drafts in your home result in higher energy costs. And even if the Honolulu winter may be mild, servicing drafty spots can also make sure your home stays cool come summer. You can maximize your home’s insulation and lessen drafts by:

  • Putting in extra insulation to your attic and/or crawlspace. Speak with a professional to determine if your current situation is sufficient.

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

  • Putting in energy-efficient window coverings such as Polywood® plantation shutters with integrated weatherstripping. Polywood shutters insulate nearly 70% better than a traditional wood shutter and block up to 30 degrees of airflow.

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

Honolulu exercise room with shuttered windows.

2. Go on the offensive against water damage

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

  • Clear your gutters of blockage so that any precipitation can easily run out. Plugged gutters can lead to dams which can damage your roof or cause water to leak through your ceiling.

  • Make sure your pipes are heated since frozen water pipes are likely to burst and result in major trouble for your house. Depending 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 them with heat tape. Remember to keep your thermostat at at least 55 degrees at all times, especially if you’re out of town.

3. Get Professional Inspections

You need to ensure that your house is running in perfect shape when winter begins. Yearly inspections of the most important systems in the home can ensure your home is safe and energy efficient.

  • Heating, AC, and water heater. Your HVAC and water heater are some of the most active energy sinks in your house. An inspection will safeguard you from malfunction. 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 make use of the ambiance of your chimney while being confident that your chimney is safe to run.

Honolulu fireplace with white shutters.

Enjoy This Winter

Once your home is ready for winter, you can enjoy everything it has to offer in Honolulu, from a night by the fireplace to gatherings with family. And if you’re in the market for a new look for your space this winter, drop us a line to discuss window treatments such as shutters, barn doors, or blinds for any room in your home. Get started by calling Sunburst Shutters Honolulu at 808-797-2004 for a complimentary in-home consultation.