1) Check Your Furnace Filter

Check your furnace's filter at least once a month throughout the winter to ensure that the air in your home remains clean and dust-free, and to avoid any potential fires from the filter catching on fire. It's good practice to replace the filter once a month during the winter as well! 

2) Inspect the Fireplace and Chimney

Inspect your chimney for any debris and cracks, and keep an eye out for any creosote buildup or debris, such as leaves or a bird's nest, as these can also become a fire hazard. If you use your fireplace frequently, make sure to have it cleaned by a professional chimney sweep to ensure that it's cleaned out and ready to go for the winter season!

3) Check the Batteries in Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working properly, and replace batteries as needed. Having a smoke alarm in every room of your house is typically the best practice, and checking the batteries in your alarms once a month should be a part of your regular home maintenance! Heating is said to be the cause of 27 percent of structure fires during the winter months, so it's best to be safe and check your detectors!

4) Make Sure You're Prepared in the Event of a Winter Storm

Winter storms can come at any time and wreak havoc on your home, and even knock out the power. Make sure you're prepared in the event of a winter storm by having an emergency survival kit in your home. Make sure to stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aide supplies, batteries, and a smart phone charger.

5) Prepare Your Entryways

Entryway floors take a brutal beating in the winter months with all of the snow, ice and mud that gets brought in. Be sure to place mats both inside and outside the door of your entryway, as well as a boot tray to have somewhere to place your mucky boots after a winter storm. It's also a good idea to have somewhere to place dry off wet jackets, hats, gloves and scarves.

6) Inspect Windows and Doors for Air Leaks

During the winter, windows and doors can be the biggest culprits for letting out the heat and making your heater work extra hard! Weather-stripping or caulk can help you to seal any gaps or cracks!

7) Check Your Pipes

During the winter, it's common for pipes to freeze and potentially burst, which can cause a lot of damage to your home! Before temperatures drop too low, prepare your pipes and protect them from the cold to prevent freezing or bursting. Make sure to disconnect garden hoses from the outdoor faucets, and insulate any indoor and outdoor pipes.

8) Clean Gutters

While this may have been something you completed after the last fall of leaves, cleaning your gutters of any debris such as sticks, pine cones, and leaves, can help ensure melted snow drains properly. Make sure to also direct your downspouts away from your home's foundation to prevent basement leaks and flooding.

9) Reverse Ceiling Fans

If your home has ceiling fans, reversing the fan blades to a clockwise position during the colder months can actually push heated air downwards, making rooms with high ceilings more comfortable!

10) Prepare Your Snow Blowers and Shovels

Break out your snow blower and shovels, and bring them to an area that's easily accessible. Make sure to change the oil in your snow blower and replace the spark plug if needed! It may be safe to test it and make sure it works properly as well!