Now that summer has ended, the kids have gone back to school and the days have started to get shorter, it's time to think about getting your house ready for winter.
 
It is important to maintain your home not only as a way to show you care about your residence but also as a way to keep costs down by avoiding major maintenance problems later: 

– Have your furnace and heating system serviced by a qualified technician. 

– Check venting systems of all of your equipment to ensure there are no obstructions. For example, check your chimney for things such as bird, squirrel and raccoon nests. If the chimney is blocked, the combustion gases are not going to leave the house. The flue needs to be open. Direct vents should be checked so that there are no bees or wasp nests. 

– Clean leaves from eaves troughs and downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof. 

– If you have a heat recovery ventilator, clean the intake grill outside and the filters inside the unit. Pour water down the condensation drain to test it. 

– Ensure that the ground around your house slopes away from the foundation wall to prevent water from draining into your basement. 

– Check exhaust ducts from dryers, bathroom fans and kitchen ranges that lead to the outside to make sure there are no obstructions. Check under the flaps to make sure nothing is nesting inside and clean it out. 

– Vacuum electric baseboard heaters to remove dust and remove the grilles on forced air systems, and vacuum inside the ducts. 

– Ensure all windows and doors shut tightly, including the door between the house and garage, if you have one. It may be time to do some weather stripping. 

– Run the dehumidifier in the basement throughout the fall. It should be run from spring to fall. It helps to remove a lot of moisture. 

– If you have interior screens on windows and doors, remove them and store the screens for winter. It promotes better air circulation to warm the glass and it may help to prevent condensation on windows. 

- Don’t store firewood inside because it brings in a lot of moisture.

- Have well water tested for quality.

- Check the sump pump and line to ensure they work properly; if you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if it needs to be emptied before spring.

These things can make a difference. They help to maintain your property.