Have you properly winterized your home?

Prevent damage to your home this winter with these 10 helpful tips.

Furnace Inspection – Change your furnace filter and consider switching to a programmable thermostat.

Get Your Fireplace Ready – Professionally remove chimney soot and creosote.

Check All Exterior Doors and Windows – Use weather-stripping around doors to prevent drafts, and use caulk around windows.

Inspect Roof, Gutters and Downspouts – Replace worn roof shingles, clean out gutters and consider installing leaf guards.

Thermostat – In the wintertime, many experts recommend you set your thermostat to 68 degrees.

Air Conditioning – Remove window units or put a cover over them to keep out drafts.

Prevent Plumbing Freezes – Drain all garden hoses and insulate all exposed plumbing pipes.  Use a licensed plumber when possible.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Put fresh batteries in all detectors and test to make sure they work.

Prepare an Emergency Kit – Include batteries, flashlight, candles, matches, bottled water, nonperishable food items

Check Your Homeowner Insurance Policy – Make certain your replacement value is current.