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Fall Checklist: Are you ready?

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• Change the air filter in your furnace.

• Check all doors and windows for possible drafts. Apply weather stripping, caulking, or putty where the heat sneaks out.

• Test all smoke detectors, and replace batteries if necessary.

• Check for proper insulation and add more if needed. Your attic floor is one of the most important spots since heat rises and is lost.

• Protect your plumbing even if your pipes have never frozen in the past. Use pipe jackets, fiberglass insulation, or electric heating tape. Wrap lines that run through exterior walls.

• Insulate your hot water tank to retain heat. It's better for the environment and winter bills.

• Remove leaves from gutters.

• Disconnect hoses and store them indoors for the winter.

• Trim trees and shrubs that touch the house.

• Put up storm windows.

• Stock up on sand and salt if you live in an area prone to icy, snowy weather.

• Pull out annuals once they've died back.
  

• Have your chimney inspected every year and cleaned if necessary.

• Plant flower bulbs, including lilies, daffodils and tulips.