Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Turn it on, listen for strange noises, and check if it's blowing warm air. Replace the filter and schedule a tune-up with a professional if it's been a while since your last inspection.

Feel around windows and doors for cold air sneaking in, then add weatherstripping, caulk, or a door sweep to keep the warmth inside.

Clear leaves and debris before the snow hits to prevent ice dams and water damage, and check the roof for loose or damaged shingles while you're up there.

Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, or crawl spaces. On especially cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving and prevent freezing.

Switch them to spin clockwise in winter. This pushes warm air back down, helping rooms stay comfortable without turning up the thermostat.

Keep snow shovels, ice melt, and warm blankets handy, plus flashlights, batteries, and a few pantry staples in case of a power outage.

With furnaces and fireplaces running more often, replace batteries and test detectors. It's a small step that makes a big difference in safety.

Heavy snow or ice can cause branches to snap, so trim any that hang close to the roof, windows, or power lines.

Give patio furniture a quick cleaning before storing or covering it, so there's less work to do when spring rolls around.

Have the chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent buildup, stock up on firewood, and keep the flue closed when it's not in use to stop warm air from escaping.

A few simple steps now can keep you warm, safe, and worry-free all season long.