Be sure to:

• Check and change your furnace filters.
• Clean and check gutters for leaks, misalignment, or damage (use extra caution when climbing ladders to clean gutters, hang holiday decorations, etc.  Always wear protective gloves when doing outside yard and home work.)
• Have your furnace serviced by a licensed HVAC contractor.
• Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check and replace home fire extinguishers that have expired.
• Have rock salt, sand, and snow shovel on hand to keep walkways and driveways passable.
• Know where your water shut-off valve is in case of frozen, burst pipes.
• Check plumbing shut-off valves for proper operation.
• Drain outside faucets and cover with a styrofoam insulator.
• Winterize your sprinkler system.
• Drain hot water heater to remove accumulated sediment (consult a licensed plumber prior to performing this maintenance task as older hot water heaters may be better left alone).
• Check for proper flow of water in your faucet aerators.  If the flow is reduced, clean the aerator screens.
• Check the attic for evidence of any leaks, check insulation and add any if needed, and check for evidence of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc.  Check for proper ventilation.  Repair as needed.
• Check countertops for separations at sinks and backsplashes; re-caulk where required.
• Check for loose or missing grout or caulking in tiled areas; re-grout or re-caulk if needed.
• Check shower doors and enclosures for proper fit, and adjust if needed.  Check caulking and re-caulk if needed.
• Check caulking and weather-stripping around windows and doors.  Check window and door screens.  Adjust or replace if needed.
• Check fireplace flue, and clean if needed.  Check fireplace brick and mortar for cracks or damage.  Repair as needed.
• Lubricate garage door rollers.
• Remove debris from around air conditioning units, and clean with a garden hose (be sure to disconnect the unit from power  before cleaning it or have your licensed HVAC contractor perform this service for you).  Remove window air conditioner or protect with weatherproof cover.
• Clean refrigerator coils.
• Check the roof for leaks and damaged/loose/missing shingles.  Check vents and louvers for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects.  Check flashing around roof stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks.  Repair as needed.
• Clean and check chimney for deteriorating bricks and mortar.  Check for leaks.  Check for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects.  Repair as needed.
• Check exterior walls for deteriorating bricks and mortar.  Check siding for damage or rot.  Check painted surfaces for flaking.  Repair as needed.
• Trim shrubbery around walls.  Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract insects (no wood or shrubbery should be closer than 3 inches to your house).  Maintain grading.
• Check concrete and asphalt for cracks or deterioration.  Reseal or repair if necessary.
• Examine septic system drain field of flooding and odor.  Repair as needed.  Have tank pumped yearly.
• Clean and store or cover lawn and patio furniture with weatherproof material.
• Close swimming pool for the winter.