I don’t know about you, but fall is my favorite season. The weather is perfect, the leaves turn beautiful colors, and it means the holidays are quickly approaching. The worst part about the autumn season is that it goes too fast and all of a sudden, winter is here. Freezing temperatures, snowy and icy weather, more dangerous roads, and did I mention freezing temperatures? Brrr! Is your home prepared for the winter season? Here are a few things you can do as a homeowner to prepare their homes for the coming winter.

Check heating unit – This is super important to have checked out before winter is here. If there are any issues with your unit, you will want to have those alleviated before the frigid temperatures hit.

Clean gutters – Once all of the beautiful leaves have fallen, you will want to make sure to have the gutters cleaned. This will help prevent your gutters from freezing. If they are cleaned out, the water will be able to flow easier, hopefully preventing any frozen gutters and spouts.

Check smoke detectors – According to The Washington Post, winter is the season where most house fires occur. Make sure your smoke detectors are still functioning, and replace batteries when necessary.

Replace the air filter – Your furnace takes in air to heat your home, so make sure you replace the air filter to keep it running efficiently. A good rule of thumb is to change the filter every 1-2 months in the winter.

Restock on winter essentials – According to Kiplinger, you should not wait until the first snow to be stocked up on your winter essentials. Make sure you have salt, shovels, and your snow blower ready for when the first snow falls. You should also have your snow removal plan in place before it is too late.

Turn off exterior faucets – In order to prevent pipes from freezing, make sure all of your exterior faucets are drained and hoses are put away. You can also purchase faucet covers to shield them from the cold temperatures.

Winterizing your home could help prevent a loss and save you money in the long run. Talk to your local insurance agent for other suggestions they may have to help prepare your home for the winter months.