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As the weather starts to cool in the autumn months, many homeowners tackle winterizing projects to ensure that their homes are weather-ready for colder temperatures. The best way to start undertaking these projects is to walk around your home and assess what needs to be done.

The following are a few areas that should be considered when preparing you home for the winter.

Clean Out Gutters: All the leaves and grime that you neglected while you were out enjoying the summer have built up in your gutters. If left full of debris, clogged gutters and drains can form ice dams that prevent your drainage systems from working properly. This can lead to water seeping silently into your home causing extreme damage. Save yourself the hassle of repairing a leak by simply cleaning your gutters and drains now. When you do, run water through the gutters to check for misalignments that could also cause water damage.

Inspect the Roof: Since you’re already up there cleaning your gutters, examine your chimney for missing mortar, cracks, structural problems, and check that the chimney cap is snug. Damage in your chimney or fireplace can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Also, ensure that your damper is working correctly and has a tight seal.

Keep the Outside Out and the Inside In: It’s important for your energy savings to make sure there are no air leaks in your home. Warm air will escape through any cracks and cause your heating system to work harder which will cost you more to heat your home. Use caulk to seal cracks and openings between stationary house components like door and window frames. Check your doors and windows for missing weather stripping. Also, make sure that door sweeps are not damaged and are aligned properly to block drafty air.

Give Your Furnace Some Attention: It’s probably been a while since you last powered up the furnace. Before the cold weather arrives and it’s time to switch it on, give it some attention. Clean your furnace annually each autumn. Sediment build-up can cause your system to work less efficiently or potentially become a fire-hazard. Having it inspected and cleaned will reduce the risks. Change your air filter regularly. A dirty air filter will decrease air flow and energy-efficiency.

Get Your Ducts in a Row: Your ducts are often out of sight, out of mind, tucked away in the attic or basement. A home with central heating could be losing some of the air that moves through the duct system. Make sure your ducts are in order by properly sealing and insulating them. Tightly sealed and insulated ducts can reduce your energy bills.

Homeowner Insurance Review: Enjoy the cooler weathers without the worry of drastic problems the colder weather can bring. Go through your house and make sure all your upgrades are insured for the correct amount.

Colder weather is on its way! Using these tips can help you prevent damage to your home and stay warm and cozy, while saving energy and money.