With temperatures falling across many parts of the country, it’s a good time to start thinking of preparing your home for harsh winter conditions like snow and ice. This process, called winterization, is usually performed in the fall before excessive cold arrives. Maintenance on both the exterior and interior of your home during this time can not only protect the structure from weather-related catastrophes, but it can also save you money by way of lower utility bills. To winterize the inside of your home, follow this maintenance checklist: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month to make sure they are working and make sure fire extinguishers have not expired Locate and seal air leaks, check insulation and evaluate appliances (you could also work with a professional home energy auditor if you prefer) Vent the space between the insulation and roof sheathing so that any heat that does leak is carried away Schedule furnace maintenance to make sure it is running properly and that HVAC filters are changed Get chimney cleaned and inspected as blockages and soot buildup can lead to fires Remove window air conditioner units (leaving an AC exposed to the elements can be hazardous…

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