Winter Survival Guide: Conquering Winter Through Your Windows
Winter is the most magical time of the year. The landscape is blanketed with snow, everyone’s bundled up in their favorite sweaters and scarves, and fireplaces illuminate the evenings. Yes, winter is indeed beautiful, but it can also be pretty unforgiving and harsh, especially in the northeast. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home is as warm and as comfortable as possible.
Most window treatments are great insulators. When it’s hot outside, the covering on your windows prevents the heat from entering inside. In the same way, during winter, the heat from inside the room doesn’t escape outside, letting you enjoy the warmth inside. Ultimately, they help with energy savings and efficiency. This doesn’t only keep you cozy but is cost-effective when it comes to your heating system working hard during this frigid season.
Ensuring proper installation and sealing drafts can go a long way in creating the cozy and comfortable home you desire. By preparing your home for the winter season, you can fully embrace the magic while staying snug and content indoors.
Keep the Cold Out of Your Home
Window shutters, both interior and exterior, can help reduce heat gain and loss in your home. Interior shutters need a clear space to the side of the window when they’re opened. They also require hardware that is fastened to the window jams or trim. Properly designed exterior shutters may provide the best possible window insulation system. They offer several advantages:
- Weather protection
- Added security
- No use of interior space
- No thermal shock to windows if left closed
Exterior shutters must be integrated into your home’s architecture. Their mounting, drainage, and hinging require special consideration, and it’s usually easier to address these design issues in new construction. Most exterior shutter systems include a mechanical crank, rod, or motor to allow operation from indoors. Choosing high-quality materials for your shutters ensures durability and longevity, protecting your home from all of the cold seasons to come.
Solid shutters will help insulate your space through the frigid winter months. Solid shutters are insulating shutters consisting of wood panels, a vapor barrier, and sometimes a decorative covering. If you fit them tightly against a window frame, they will provide an insulating air space between the shutter and the window. The versatility of solid shutters not only strongly insulates, but offers excellent light control and privacy when closed. Solid shutters have become integral to creating a comfortable and well-insulated environment throughout the winter season. You can also combine shutters with other window treatments such as curtains and draperies for greater insulating ability.
How to Shop for Winter Window Treatments
When on the hunt for winter window treatments, it’s important to consider various factors to ensure optimal comfort and functionality for your home. Insulation stands as a primary concern. Look for window treatments on Long Island that are specifically designed to fight off the winter chill that leverages specialized materials to trap heat indoors, fostering a warmer comfort during colder months.
We have endless options to help you properly insulate your home. For example, wool, velvet, and thermal fabrics act as strong barriers against intrusive drafts, effectively retaining precious heat within the inside of your home. Explore all of the different types of options we offer that not only serve functional purposes but also enhance your desired home’s aesthetic appeal.
Keep in mind that proper installation maximizes the efficiency of your chosen treatments. Professional assistance from our experts is necessary for certain types of intricate installations.
Insulate Your Home for the Winter Season
As winter’s frigid air begins to travel, effective home insulation becomes crucial to fight off the cold and maintain a cozy indoor atmosphere. Start by conducting a thorough inspection of windows and doors for any drafts or air leaks, sealing them with weather stripping or caulking to prevent cold air infiltration. Investing in insulated window treatments, such as thermal curtains or cellular shades, provides an additional layer of defense against chilly drafts, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort within your home.
Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows equipped with double or triple-pane glass and insulated frames to further enhance thermal insulation. In addition to these upgrades, complement these measures with heavy curtains or drapes to block out cold drafts and retain warmth indoors and maintain your heating system with regular maintenance checks to ensure efficient operation throughout the winter season.
In addition to addressing windows, doors, and heating systems, don’t overlook the importance of insulating other areas of your home. Attics and basements are often overlooked but can be significant sources of heat loss. Don’t forget to add insulation in these areas to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from seeping in. Sealing these gaps and cracks in exterior walls and foundations can further enhance your home’s insulation efficiency. By taking a comprehensive approach to insulation, you can create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home environment.
Get Your Warm Home Ready for the Holidays
The winter season not only brings along the cold weather, but the holidays as well. If you are having guests over to enjoy the holiday season together, you want to ensure your home is complimented nicely so your guests can enjoy your home as well as the wonderful festivities.
Curtains & Drapes
We offer a diverse range of curtain options to suit every taste and decor style. From the relaxed vibe of tab top curtains to the sleek elegance of flat panel designs, there’s something for everyone. Our curtains not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also serve practical purposes. Light-filtering curtains provide privacy while maintaining a gentle glow. At the same time, thermal and blackout blind options offer ultimate light control and energy efficiency, ideal for bedrooms or spaces where temperature regulation is crucial. Whatever you prefer, our curtains ensure your home is ready to impress guests and embrace the holiday spirit.
Drapes stand as a classic choice in home decor, offering both practicality and elegance. Their luxurious fabrics and intricate designs add depth and texture to any room and create a sense of sophistication. From sheer and breezy styles to heavy, our drapes offer a range of options to suit different tastes and needs. By carefully selecting the fabric, color, and style of drapes, homeowners can effortlessly enhance the ambiance of their living spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere that impresses guests and fosters comfort.
Valences
When strategically incorporated into interior design, valances can enhance the visual appeal of a room, creating a welcoming ambiance that captivates guests upon entry. Their versatility allows for customization to suit individual styles and preferences, ensuring that every window is adorned with a unique and tasteful accent. By integrating valances into your home decor, you can effortlessly elevate its appearance, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Blinds
We also offer a variety of blinds, suitable for transforming your home into a cozy atmosphere for holiday gatherings. Picture perfect moments begin with our Vertical Blinds, bringing in a timeless elegance that seamlessly integrates with any interior style, infusing your space with warmth and sophistication. For those seeking classic charm and versatility, our Venetian blinds offer adjustable light control, ensuring a snug ambiance ideal for festive gatherings.
Embrace the sweet charm of the season with our Mini Blinds, adding a touch of understated elegance to your home decor. For those craving the rustic allure of natural materials, our Fox Wood Blinds create a sense of comfort and coziness, inviting guests to unwind and savor cherished moments together.
Let us transform your home into a sanctuary of comfort and style. Don’t let the cold weather get you down! Allow us to keep your home warm, our experts are thoroughly trained to take on any type of project. We will guide you through every step of the process with a free consultation based on your availability. Contact us today to explore the endless options or give us a call at (516) 364-0405 to speak with a member of our team. Your dream home awaits!
Note: This post was originally published in January 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.