Winter is not quite here, but colder weather is just around the corner. While we cannot cover everything you may need to do to your home to prepare it for winter, we can certainly give you a head start!  See below for some basic winterizing tips.

1. Check weather stripping around your doors and windows; replace if needed. Weather stripping prevents colder air from the outside coming into your home through smaller gaps found around your house.  
   
   
2. Check the outside of your home for any caulk that needs to be replaced. Sealing those cracks and gaps can help keep your home warm inside and can also help lower your energy costs.
   
   
3. Clean your gutters! After all the leaves have fallen off surrounding trees, inspect and clean out your gutters. Remove any debris or leaves that would cause clogging. This will allow rain and snow to properly drain.
   
   
4. Clean your fireplace by removing soot and other debris that has built up since the last use. Call to have a chimney sweep performed; you can also clean your fireplace by vacuuming or sweeping out debris and remaining ash.
   
   
5. Be sure to unhook your hoses from your spigots before freezing temperatures arrives. If you leave a hose attached to the spigot, you run the risk of bursting your pipes.
   
   
6. Change your air filters regularly. By doing this, you will make your furnace more efficient. It is best to replace your air filters at least every three months.
   
   
7. Be sure to test your furnace ahead of freezing temperatures. Waiting until you need the heat could cause delays in service due to demand. It’s like having a spare tire; do not wait until you have a flat to find that the spare does not have air in it.
   
   
8. Protect your plants by bringing them inside. Depending on what type of plants you have, it is best to bring in plants when it gets below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
   
   
9. Consider swapping out your curtains for ones that are thicker and lined. Doing so will keep colder air out and warmer air in, lowering your heating bill.
   
   
10. Depending on how cold it gets (you never know here in Oklahoma) you might have to protect your pipes by wrapping a tubular pipe around your pipes.