Winter is quickly approaching, and the year is winding down to a close. The wind is starting to carry a crisp bite, and you can feel the excitement as stores bustle with Christmas anticipation. As your to-do list grows during this busy season, don’t forget to add preparing your home for winter to your pre-holiday schedule.

Preparing your home for winter and the cold days ahead may seem like a hassle, but it is an important step in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and comfort of your house as the weather turns below freezing. This preparation is easy, and can be completed in a single weekend by following a few simple steps.

Replace Windows

Before temperatures drop, inspect your home’s windows for any damages that could cause insulation issues this winter. Make note of any cracked seals, panes, or frames, and have those windows replaced as soon as possible. New windows will help to better insulate your home, leaving it warmer and more energy efficient.

Clean Gutters

Thanks to all of the leaves falling, your gutters can get clogged easily in the weeks leading up to winter. As your trees turn bare, make a point to clean all of your home’s gutters, making sure there is plenty of space for easy water flow and clear exits. With snow in the forecast ahead, you’ll want the melted ice to leave your home without worrying about any potential damage.

Test Your Furnace

The last thing you need when the first freeze finally arrives is a furnace that doesn’t work. Well before the long-range forecast reads 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below, contact a local professional to give your furnace a good check and cleaning. Experts like Overland Park Heating and Cooling can inspect your machine and fix any problems before any pain is caused, and get your home warm as soon as that frost arrives.

Preparing your home for winter is an easy way to maintain the value and comfort of your house for the year ahead. Make a plan, and start your prep work well before your climate freezes, in order to make sure you have ample time to complete any tasks that unexpectedly pop up. Winterizing your home is the best way to protect your family from the brutal cold ahead, so get started today, and stay warm all season long.

For more information on preparing your home for winter, visit Overland Park Heating and Cooling today.