Boost your homes energy efficiency and prevent winter damage by checking off these to-dos before cold weather hits.
Check outside walkways, stairs and the driveway for cracks or imperfections. When covered in ice and snow these can be hard to maneuver and can become hazardous
Take a walk around your house and look for signs of damage. This includes the roof, siding and foundation. Schedule these repairs before winter comes.
Seal gaps where critters could enter. With colder weather animals are always looking for a warm place and some only need a small gap to sneak in.
Stock up and check the condition of winter supplies. This includes snow scrapers, shovels, emergency kits and snow blowers (if you use them).
Rake leaves. Letting leaves sit over winter can inhibit spring growth.
Shut off exterior faucets and store hoses. Drain the hoses and protect your pipes from the dropping temperatures.
Add weatherstripping. This is often overlooked, but this small step can help you save money on your energy costs. Apply it around the frames of windows and doors.
Clean gutters and downspouts once most of the leaves have fallen. Clogged gutters during rainstorms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding.
Check safety devices. Test smoke detectors and carbon 
monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. In addition to this check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher.
Clean dryer vents. Lint buildup in dryer vents can make your dryer work less efficiently and even cause a fire.
Schedule a chimney cleaning and heating system maintenance. Make sure your chimney and furnace or boiler are cleaned, maintained and in working order.