Winter is here - but this weekend may be the last 'decent' weekend to winterize your home!

No matter how new your home, it is important to take care of some things before the winter season hits!

1. Clean Your Gutters: If you're like many people, the idea of standing on a ladder and cleaning gutters does not appeal to you! And while you might be tempted to just leave those leaves where they are, it might put your home at risk this winter. Gutters that are full of leaves trap water from rain and snow melt and when the temperatures drop, the gathered water turns into ice which can cause your gutters to pull away from your house.
2. Seal Drafts: Bring out the weatherstripping! If you're worried that this year's cold temperatures could be more than you bargained for, then be sure to seal up those windows and doors from the cold draft. Do so by using weatherstripping on your doors and caulking your windows. If you have a basement, consider placing plastic shields over your window wells to keep the snow from gathering and leaking through your window and into your basement.
3. Drain Water Lines: Do you have a sprinkler system? Be sure to turn it off and clear out those water lines. Avoid the possibility of cracked pipes as water turns to ice and expands. Also be sure to remove garden hoses and seal up those hose bibs.
4. Change Furnace Filters: It is very easy to forget this simple chore - but it is a very important task to remember during the winter months! Dirty filters restrict airflow throughout your home and increase energy demand. What better way to increase your homes energy efficiency than to change your filter!
5. Run Fans in Reverse: Did you know that many fans have a reverse switch? Counterclockwise rotation produces a cold breeze but switching your fan to run clockwise actually makes your home warmer! As many of you know, hot air always rises so your warmest air is near your ceiling. Running your fan clockwise pulls that hot air down and helps it circulate through your living space. This alone could easily reduce your heating costs this winter.
6. Turn down that thermostat: For every degree that you lower the thermostat during the winter, you'll save on your heating bill! So be reasonable with the heating of your home and if you get cold, put on those sweatpants, sweatshirt, and slippers! Invest in warm clothing and start saving long term.

Want more information? Visit the websites below!

http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/92607_WinterHom.htm

http://www.bobvila.com/cleaning-gutters/48170-winterize-your-home-in-7-simple-steps/slideshows?utm_content=bufferd8692&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer#!7

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/winterize-home-tips-energy-461008#slide-1