As winter quickly approaches, there are many things that you, as a homeowner must do. Doing these things protects the value of your home. Regular maintenance will also go a long way to prevent costly major repairs. This column will provide you with a short list of things that you should do before winter arrives.

1.Heating and Cooling System- If you have a forced air heating system, check the exhaust vent and openings for dust and dirt. If your unit has a re-usable filter you should change it or replace it regularly. If it is clogged with dirt, it will make your heating system work harder than it needs to. If it is not clean, it will circulate low quality air through your house. It may also be a good idea to have a professional conduct a maintenance service on your furnace if it is old. You don’t want it breaking down in the middle of the winter.
2.Water Heater- The same logic applies here. It is wise to perform an annual inspection of the unit. This involves having the pressure and temperature relief valve checked. In addition, you should have the sediment removed from the bottom of the tank by having it drained. You may want to have someone who is experienced do this for you.
3.Water Pipes-Frozen water pipes that burst can cause serious damage to your home and the clean up cost can be substantial. Protect your pipes in unheated areas by adding insulation which reduces heat loss from hot-water pipes. You should examine your pipes for cracks and leaks. Exterior hose bibs should be drained to ensure that they don’t freeze and burst during the cold weather.
4.Roof and Gutters- Ice, snow and wind can cause weak trees or branches to break. Part of your winter preparation should involve trimming back all tree limbs away from the roof. Debris from your gutters and downspouts should also be removed. Clogged gutters do not allow water to drain away from the home which can cause seepage in the ceilings and walls. If your roof is old, it may be worthwhile to have a professional inspect it to ensure that it will survive the winter. 6.Fireplace- Before you light the logs or turn on the fireplace, make sure it is in good working order. Clean the chimney flue and have it inspected and repaired, if necessary. Refer to your owner’s manual if you will be doing this yourself.
7.Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors- Change the batteries on both the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is a must to ensure that you are protected from fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.