How can I winterize my home?

Fall is the time to have your furnace check up. Just remember the HVAC are really busy this time of year, so schedule your appointment as soon as you can—even in the summer. Also keep on schedule with cleaning or changing your furnace's air filter according to the manufacturer's directions.

Check your windows and doors for air leaks.

Use a lit stick of incense to test for air currents where there shouldn't be any—around windows and door jambs, and where your walls meet the floor. Seal up whatever leaks you find using weather stripping, caulk, or whatever material is most appropriate for the location of the leak.

Have your gutters cleaned and roof checked.

It's a good idea to wait until the leaves finish falling to have the gutters cleaned, but the roof check-up can happen anytime. Have your roofing company check the flashing and shingles. They should replace any worn-out shingles and repair any flashing that could otherwise let in water.

Check your insulation levels.

It's especially important to make sure your attic is fully insulated. If it isn't, heat from the living spaces below can rise. That can keep your furnace running harder than it should, and make the living spaces colder than you want them. But even worse, having a warm attic can cause the bottom layer of snow on your roof to melt. If it refreezes later, it can create an ice dam that puts your roof in danger.

Install a programmable thermostat.

It's quick, easy, and inexpensive to do. And over the course of just one winter, the impact is big. By setting the thermostat to change automatically throughout the day, you can lower the temperature at night but still wake up to a warm house. You'll save money and be more comfortable. What could be better?

Insulate pipes carrying hot water.

There's no point in paying for hot water you'll never get to use. Check your local hardware store for pipe insulation. You might also consider putting a "jacket" around your hot water heater so it doesn't have to work so hard.

Take care of your chimney and fireplace.

Have your chimney cleaned and make sure the flue is in good working order. While you're at it, pick up a couple of extra carbon-monoxide detectors to install nearby.

Winterizing your home might be time-consuming, but it's worth the effort to keep your family cozy and safe.

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