Getting Your Home Ready for Winter - 10/31

Inside the House

• Change your Furnace Filters -- It's a good idea to change your furnace filters at least once a month for maximum efficiency and fuel savings, but make sure that you start the season with new filters. Fall is also a good time to have your furnace checked by a technician. For under $100, you'll have the piece of mind that you'll stay warm all season.

• Check your Fireplace -- Make sure that your fireplace is clean and safe by inspecting the flue and making sure that the chimney is free from bird nests and other debris. If your chimney hasn't been cleaned in several years, hire a chimneysweep to tackle the problem.

Outside the House

• Clean your Gutters -- Make sure to clean out your home's gutter system once most or all of the leaves have fallen. Clogged gutters can cause water problems and leaks on the inside of your house.

• Change the Screens -- If you have windows that require you to change from screens to storm windows, now is the time to make the change. Don't wait until it's 20 degrees outside.

In the Garden

• Raking Leaves -- Make sure that you get up all of the leaves before the first hard frost. Frozen leaves are almost impossible to get up -- believe me, I know. The leaf blanket will also kill the grass if allowed to remain over the winter.

• Winter Protection for Trees and Shrubs -- Depending on where you live, you'll probably want to add some extra protection to first season and tender plants and shrubs. Roses, in particular, benefit from a little winter protection. Straw, pine boughs, and pine bark are all commonly-used materials.

• Take in Clay and Ceramic Pots -- Clay and ceramic containers will crack if allowed to remain outside in the freezing and thawing weather. Make sure that you bring them inside.

• Maintain Food and Water for Wildlife -- Make sure that the birds and other wild critters in your yard have winter water and food. Maintain a bird feeder and if you've taken in your ceramic birdbath, put out a plastic container of water for the birds.