We’re getting to that time of year when the weather is frightful outside, and it’s important to make sure your home is secure and ready for the months ahead. Whether this is your first winter in your brand-new home or you’re looking to step up your home care game, there are a few important things every homeowner should know about prepping for the chillier months.

If the winter is coming up — or even if it’s already here — these are a few action items to keep in mind for your home.

1. Check the Heating System

One of the first things you should do when the weather starts getting cold is to check on your heating system and make sure it’s ready for the season ahead. This may involve bringing in a professional or even clearing any obstructions from PVC vent pipes — whatever it is that your system needs.

2. Close Up the Pool

If you have a pool at your house, it’s time to close it up until next spring or summer rolls around. In order to take care of this properly, you’ll need to lower the water levels, test the pH, clean the filters and the pump, blow out the water lines, and eventually cover it up for warmer days. Closing the pool is much better than leaving it to go all winter.

3. Clean the Gutters

If you live in an area with harsh precipitation, cleaning the gutters is a must before things begin to freeze. If you leave the gutters unattended with debris, leaves, and other things stuck up there, they might get blocked, freeze, or even have breakage or damage down the line — which is not worth it when you could just clear things out.

4. Clean the Fireplace

It’s best to clean your fireplace as early in the season as possible, but it’s better to get it done late than never. Although it often requires a professional to check and clean a fireplace properly, you can DIY some of the elements yourself if you have a bit of expertise or if you’re in a pinch to get things done rapidly.

5. Seal Any Drafts

If your home happens to have any drafts, especially from windows, doors, and other leaks in the home, you should take the time to figure out where they are and seal them up before the weather gets too cold. That way, the hot air from your heating system won’t escape and cost you extra money to heat the house.

6. Check the Batteries in Your Smoke Detector

This is a good habit to have at any time of the year, but especially when the seasons change. Keeping up to date on your home’s safety and well-being means staying on top of the safety and well-being of everyone in your home. Checking the batteries in the smoke detectors takes a few minutes, but making it a habit can ensure you’re solid on everything.

7. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

You may have already heard this one before, but the airflow produced by a regular ceiling fan has a wind chill effect that makes you feel cooler in the summer. Therefore, reversing the direction of your ceiling fan to clockwise instead of counterclockwise can help move warm air into the space, assisting your heating system and helping you feel more comfortable in your home.

Prepping Your Home for Winter

When it comes to preparing your home for the wintertime, there are a few things that can come into play. From the indoors to the outdoors, you can prepare your home for the chilly season ahead. What’s next on your checklist for winter?