Whether you’re new to owning a home or have owned your home for years and years; here are some homeowning tips to get you and your home through the winter months:

• When was the last time you’ve had the insulation checked? Is it enough? Could you use more? When you read this and think to yourself, “what insulation?” Then it’s a good time to get that checked out. Your wallet will thank you when those lower heating bills come in.  
• Make sure your gutters are cleaned out from all the fall leaves. 
• Check on your down spouts and make sure they are connected, then point them away from your home. 
• Take off hoses from your outside spigots and store them away. 
• Bring in clay pots or turn them upside down (if you can). 
• No matter the season, it’s always a good idea to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. You should have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home, fyi. 
• Check your windows and doors. Any drafts coming in? If so, better pick up some weather stripping or caulk from your local hardware store. 
• And lastly, but probably MOST IMPORTANTLY – is your furnace in good working order? Not sure? Get a tune up! Emergency calls are expensive.