Winter season guide for homeowners:

Attic-- As a general rule, if a home has less than 11 to 12 inches of insulation in the attic, it could probably use more. Use batt or blown insulation for best results. Check with an insulation expert to determine the proper R-value of insulation for your home.

Crawlspace -- Check the crawl space to insure that there is no standing water and that the sub-floor is insulated. Replace any fallen or damaged  fiberglass insulation batts. Also, be sure that all bare soil in the crawl space is covered with a 6 mil Polypropelene vapor retarder.
 

Water heater -- Check the temperature of the hot water. Save your skin! Hot water should be no more than 120 degrees F.

Hot water pipes --Conserve heat and energy by insulating hot water pipes with preformed foam pipe insulation sleeves if they pass through an unheated area or run under your home.

Windows/Doors -- Remove screens and install storm windows/doors. Seal leaks, cracks, openings in the home

Fireplace -- Make sure the damper closes as tightly as possible when a fire is not burning to minimize heat loss. HOWEVER, if a gas log or gas log lighter has been installed, the damper should be dis-abled to prevent full closure. This is often accomplished by installing a C-clamp on the damper. Installing a glass door cover at the firebox will help prevent heated air loss.

Draft-prone areas -- Zip up your home's winter coat by caulking, sealing and weatherstripping around all seams, cracks and openings. Pay special attention around windows and where siding or bricks and wood trim meet. Seal areas near electrical boxes and plumbing penetrations as well.

Ductwork -- Look for cracks or air leaks in ductwork and use duct tape to seal them. If the heating/cooling ductwork is not insulated, this would be a good time to do so.

Furnace filters -- Change forced air heating system air filters at least quarterly. Make a clean break into winter with a fresh filter instead of using last year's used goods.

Air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators -- Regularly dusting off these heat sources will improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Ceiling fans -- To save energy during colder weather, activate the reverse setting on your ceiling fans to circulate hot air that rises to the ceiling and blow it back down.

Maintaining Yard and Equipment

Cool-season grasses -- Fertilize grasses such as ryegrass, fescue, and bluegrass in or before early November.

Bulbs -- Plant hardy bulbs in milder climates in the earlier part of November.

Vegetable and perennial beds -- Clean and prepare beds for next season's planting.

Leaves -- Rake and remove leaves left on the lawn to discourage disease.

Push mower, outdoor power equipment -- Perform annual maintenance before storing.

Lawn and garden equipment, patio furniture -- Store to avoid harsh winter elements.

Hoses, outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems and fountains -- Drain and winterize before season's first freeze.