Taking out your sweaters, mittens, and fleece pajamas is not the only way to prepare for the upcoming winter season. Most people forget that prepping your house for winter can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars later on. These tips are ways that you can protect your home from the chill of Old Man Winter.

Prepare the fireplace.

Purchase a protective cap for your chimney. This will prevent any unwanted objects (like birds, rodents, balls, and rain) from soiling the inside of your chimney and deteriorating the walls of your fireplace. When buying a protective cap, make sure that the model you purchase is more durable than attractive!

To prevent cold air from entering your home, remember to keep your chimney’s damper closed after using the fireplace. As always, chimneys and fireplaces should be cleaned regularly. Look for a CSIA certified company in your area that can help clean out your fireplace, chimney, and replace broken dampers and caps, if necessary.

Make sure the furnace is in good working condition.

Before temperatures really begin to plummet, turn on your furnace. If you feel overpowered by the smell, turn off the furnace immediately and call a professional. A furnace should be cleaned and turned at least once a year. These services normally cost between $100 to $125.

Inspect and clean your gutters.

Take the time to remove leaves and other debris from the gutters, using your hands or a spatula to scrape them clean. After scrubbing your gutters, rinse the leftover debris out with a hose. This will prevent ice dams from clogging up your drains.

Block obvious leaks around the house.

According to EarthWorks Group, the average American has leaks that equal a nine-square-foot hole in the wall. Find the leaks in your home by checking all windows, doorframes, and electrical outlets. Seal outside leaks with weather-resistant caulk. Electrical outlets that extend to a home’s outer walls can be blocked using outlet gaskets. Installing door sweeps can seal off drafty spaces under exterior doors.

Clean your ducts.

Vacuum your ducts to clean out the dust, hair, and debris that have settled there. A dirty duct can result in respiratory problems, so make sure to inspect them at last once every few years. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can lose 60% of their central heating if the ducts are not properly insulated.

Test your fire alarm.

Officials generally agree that fire detectors should be replaced every ten years, especially if your house is still using an old model. Test your fire alarm with a little bit of smoke, not just by pressing a button. Also, every house should invest in a carbon-monoxide detector, in case a fireplace or furnace stops working.

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