Heating and air
- Replace the air filter
- Schedule a furnace or heat pump tune-up
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down
Outside the house
- Clean gutters and downspouts after leaves fall
- Check the roof, flashing and chimney cap
- Seal gaps and cracked caulk around windows and doors
- Drain and store hoses, and shut off or cover outdoor faucets
Yard
- Rake or mulch leaves so they don't smother the grass
- Aerate and overseed cool-season lawns
- Winterize the sprinkler system where it freezes
- Trim branches away from the roof and power lines
Pests and safety
- Seal gaps around pipes and vents where mice get in
- Store firewood away from the house
- Have the chimney inspected before the first fire
- Check weatherstripping on exterior doors