As much as we would like summer to stay indefinitely, the reality is that cold, winter days are ahead. Now is a good time to prepare your home for harsh winter conditions and the problems they may bring.

Avoid winter despair by taking these preventive measures this fall:

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Remove all debris that has accumulated in gutters and downspouts. This will ensure that gutters can drain effectively, and the water gathered goes to where you want it. A blocked gutter will result in water overflows and can lead to water damage.

Check that gutters are in good condition and are sloped appropriately. Repair where necessary. Take care when climbing ladders. If you don’t like heights, hire a professional to get the job done.

2. Check Your Roof

Examine your roof for any obvious signs of damage, such as missing or buckled shingles. You can do this from the ground and should not need to walk to roof surface. Binoculars can help.

Replace loose shingles and repair damaged portions immediately to avoid more serious problems that can occur when the snow starts to accumulate and freeze and thaw cycles begin.

3. Drain Garden Hoses

Garden hoses should be removed from outdoor faucets, drained of water, and stored away indoors, such as in a garage. When garden hoses are not disconnected, the water in them can freeze and expand resulting in burst hoses and/or cracked pipes.

If your outdoor faucets have shut-off valves located on the inside of your home, turn them off. Consider insulating water pipes that are close to exterior walls or upgrading to a frost-free hose bib. Also, remember to turn off the sprinkler system.

4. Prepare Gas-Powered Tools For Winter Storage

Home Tools and equipment should be checked before storing them away for the winter. If they are gas-powered, either drain the gas or add a fuel stabilizer to ensure that old fuel does not degrade and make your equipment difficult to start in spring.

If you use a stabilizer, run the equipment for a few minutes after adding to ensure the stabilizer gets through the fuel lines and into the carburetor.

5. Service Your Furnace

You do not want to wait until temperatures drop before ensuring that your furnace is working efficiently. Hire a certified HVAC professional to inspect and service your furnace. They will recommend any necessary repairs and replace the filter for you while they are at it.

6. Winterize Your Air Conditioner

Your HVAC professional can do this for you at the same time as the furnace. Disconnect the air conditioning unit from power to prevent it from powering up during the winter months which can damage it.

For window units, you can remove them completely.

7. Feed and Maintain Your Lawn

Your grass starts to store food for the winter as temperatures drop, so you should be fertilizing once or twice in fall to ensure your lawn greens up faster in spring.

Rake tree leaves to prevent them from killing off your lawn and/or encouraging disease spread. You can also choose to mulch the leaves using a mower.

8. Prepare Your Deck

Your deck is going to be covered in snow and ice for a few months during winter. Fall is a good time to give your deck a good wash and get rid of debris and mould.

Repair any rotted boards, and depending on the condition, fall is great for staining and sealing your deck.

9. Stow-Away Patio Furniture

Remove patio furniture and keep them away in a garage or other enclosed space for the winter.

These include hammocks, umbrellas, cushions, and others. You can also protect them using weather-proof covers.

10. Service Your Fireplace and Chimney

Hire a WETT certified professional to check your fireplace and ensure it is working okay. Have them inspect and sweep your chimney to get rid of accumulated debris, including soot, leaves, and bird nests.

This will prevent dangerous chimney fires and dangerous gases from seeping into your home. If you have a firewood fireplace, now is the time to stock up on firewood. Store firewood in a safe, dry place.

11. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order. Replace batteries with new ones.

Windows are closed in winter and with gas furnaces and fireplaces burning away, the danger of noxious gases escaping is always present.

12. Check Weatherstripping

Drafty windows and doors can increase your annual heating and cooling bill by up to 30%. Replace worn weatherstripping, caulk gaps around windows, door frames, exterior pipes, and faucets.

Check and seal any gaps on exterior walls that can be used by critters to invade your home. Spray foam comes in handy for larger gaps.

13.Clean Your Grill

Lengthen the lifespan of your BBQ grill by cleaning it out this fall. Follow these steps:

• Let it run on high heat to burn off leftover food
• Clean grill grates with a wire brush
• Empty the grease tray
• Wipe off grease and other debris on the exterior
• Store grill in a dry area or protect using a grill cover

14. Check Attic Ventilation and Insulation

Ensure your attic is well-insulated to save on energy costs. Check the attic door for gaps that leak warm air into the attic and predispose your roof to ice dams and other winter damage.

Check attic vents to ensure they are free of debris and are providing adequate ventilation. Proper ventilation will prolong the life of your roof.

15. Winterize Your Pool

If you have a pool, remove debris and partly drain out the water. Purchase a winter treatment kit and a pool cover to keep out debris.

16. Prepare Your Snow Blower

Service your snow blower and ensure it is ready to go when the first snowfall arrives. You may need to replace the spark plug and top the engine oil.