Now that winter has arrived with a fury, it’s time to remember a few tips to keep you and your home ready for the change in climate.

1. Make sure all of your heating sources are in optimal working condition. From your furnace to stove, it’s important that the elements in your home that keep you and your loved ones cozy and comfortable are in great shape to keep doing so. Your fireplace and chimney should also be cleaned. Hiring a chimney cleaner is a safe and affordable way to remove buildup which could cause issues in the future.

2. Be sure to keep clearing snow and ice from your driveway and walkways. An often ignored aspect of winter is also protecting your roof from excess snow buildup. Snow can wreak havoc if you let it, so be sure to proactively keep its effect at bay.

3. Since you’ll be spending more time indoors during the winter, make sure your air filters are cleaned or changed out as needed. Also, remove your indoor screens as this allows for more air to circulate around the inside of the window. This reduces the chances of mold developing due to excess moisture.

4. Your plumbing needs to be in working order. Be sure to insulate exposed pipe to reduce chance of freezing and ensure all shut-off valves are working properly.

These tips not only will help you get through the winter months, they’ll also keep your home protected and maintain its value. Costly repairs come spring are the last thing you’ll want to deal with. You’ll want to use some of those dollars to enjoy the outdoors once the spring weather returns.