In the immortal words of Sean Bean, winter is coming — but it’s not here yet. These colder fall months are the perfect time to start getting ready for winter and checking off some chores on your winter maintenance checklist.

If you don’t already have a winter maintenance checklist, here is our ultimate list to get you started.

1. Schedule a Heating System Inspection

You might only use your home’s heating system for a single season, but you don’t want to have it fail on you when you need it the most. Before you fire it up for the season, schedule a heating system inspection to ensure everything is in working order before it starts to get cold.

2. Replace Smoke Detector Batteries

You need to replace your smoke detector batteries at least once a year, even if they’re not giving you the low battery warning. Why not include it as part of your winter maintenance checklist? Take a few minutes to swap out the batteries, especially if you’re planning on using a fireplace during the colder months.

3. Double-Check Pipe Insulation

Heating system failure may be the biggest problem you experience during the winter, but frozen and busted pipes are a close second. Double-check all of your pipe insulation to ensure nothing will freeze once the temperatures start to fall.

4. Have Your Fireplace and Chimney Inspected

A fireplace can keep your home toasty and warm while adding all sorts of ambiance, but they can also create a fire hazard if they’re not maintained correctly. A byproduct of burning wood is creosote, and creosote can build up in your chimney and cause a chimney fire. Schedule a fireplace and chimney inspection before you light your first fire of the year.

5. Build a Storm Kit

Having an emergency kit around is always a good idea, even if you don’t ultimately need it. Take some time this fall to build your winter storm kit, including food, water, first aid supplies and everything else you’ll need to stay safe and comfortable in the event of a severe winter storm.

6. Clean the Gutters

During the rainy season, clogged gutters are a mess. In the winter, with heavy snow loading them down, they can cause all sorts of damage. Clean any leaves or other debris out of your gutters before it starts to snow, and keep your gutters as clean as possible as you prepare for winter weather.

7. Clean Dryer Vents

There’s nothing nicer than putting on warm clothes fresh from the dryer, especially on a cold day. Make it a point to clean your dryer vents during your winter maintenance. Clogged dryer vents cause more than 17,000 fires every year. Cleaning out your ducts and removing dryer lint can prevent your home from becoming a statistic.

8. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafts are not your friend when it’s cold outside and you’re trying to keep your house warm. Inspect your doors and windows and check for air leaks. If you find any leaks, seal them up with weatherstripping or caulk. This simple task can lower your heating bills by keeping your home from bleeding hot air once the temperature drops outside.

9. Inspect Your Roof

Your roof can withstand everything that Old Man Winter can throw at it, but snow is heavy, and if there’s an existing problem, heavy snowfall is going to make it worse. Take the time to inspect your roof and address any apparent issues before the first snowfall of the season.

10. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Finally, make sure you reverse your ceiling fans. They spin counterclockwise in the summer, which creates a downdraft and keeps the air in your room moving. Swap them to clockwise rotation for the winter months.

This movement creates an updraft that forces any warm air gathered at the ceiling down to where it will do the most good. Plus, stopping your fans to reverse them is the perfect time to clean the fan blades!

Be Ready for Winter

Winter is coming, so take the time now to get ready for the colder months before they throw a wrench in your plans. Once you get your winter maintenance checklist out of the way, you can sit back and enjoy the winter wonderland with a hot drink in hand.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison