By following these steps you'll avoid expensive repairs later and keep your home safe & efficient.

• Check Outdoor Paint for Peeling, Cracking & Proper Coverage - Peeling & cracking can allow moisture to get behind the paint and cause rotting and possible interior leaks. Caulk, prime, and re-paint before it gets cold in the winter.

• Inspect Attic for Insulation and Leak Stains - Insulation should be at least R-19 and you need to look for stains to determine leaks. Water will stain the insulation and since insulation can hold 30 times its weight and still feel dry to the touch, testing by touching it doesn't work. Make sure insulation is not covering any soffit vents and add an exhaust fan if ventilation is inadequate. To check for leak sources, check during the day without any lights on. Any areas where light shines through are places where water can come through too and needs to be repaired.

• Inspect Caulking, Weather Stripping, Door Transitions, Exterior Trim, Gutters & Downspouts - If you can see outside or feel air coming in thru these areas, stopping the air flow will keep the heat inside your home in the winter and reduce your heating bills. Gutters can be cleaned with the high-pressure nozzle of a garden hose after any debris is removed. Remember any roofing nails or shingle pieces in the gutters mean you should inspect the roof as well.

• Go Through the Garage/Sheds and Move Temperature Sensitive Products to a Warmer Area - Any water-based products like latex paint will be damaged by freezing.

• Change Furnace Air Filters - Filter out allergens and keep your furnace running efficiently by changing your air filters. We recommend microbial type filters. Change monthly or as recommended by manufacturer.

• Check and Change Light bulbs as Needed

• Test All Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Detectors - push the button on the unit to check it - a few minutes doing this each month could save your family's life in a fire.