Temps are dropping, the leaves are turning, and you know what that means: Fall is here, which is the best time to prepare your house for the chill that follows. But we all know that keeping warm takes energy and, yes, is costly. Here are a few easy ways to conserve.

Fix stuff around your house. These are simple and might require a little elbow grease on your part, but they’re well worth it because they help your house stay warmer, eliminate drafts, and help your heater work more efficiently.

• Seal gaps around your windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping. 
• Close fireplace dampers when you’re not using them.
• Replace HVAC filters. For your furnace, this should be done one to three months before cold weather hits. It helps improve air quality (and air flow) inside your home.
• Add door sweeps to exterior doors.
• Reverse your ceiling fans; set them to clockwise and put them on a low setting to push the warm air down into the room.
• Hang thick(er) curtains so heat doesn’t seep out.
• Make sure vents and returns aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs.

Check your heating system. Before the Arctic blast arrives, these tasks are key:

• Schedule an HVAC inspection – aka a tune-up.
• Install a programmable or smart thermostat.
• Lower your thermostat by 7-10 degrees when you’re away.

Look at your insulation. These chores might require you to hire someone.

• Add attic insulation if your house is under-insulated so you can reduce your heating costs and keep your house toasty. (In fact, poor insulation is one of the biggest sources of energy loss.)
• Insulate pipes that are exposed, as well as your water heater.
• Seal and insulate all your ductwork in your attic, garage, and crawl spaces.

Inspect your water heater. Making sure you have warm water in the cooler months is critical. You’ll be quite happy not having to take cold showers, as well as not expending as much energy.

• Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F.
• Install low-flow showerheads.
• Fix dripping faucets immediately.

Examine the exterior of your house. Even the outside of your home needs attention.

• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams, moisture problems, and foundation issues.
• Trim branches that could block winter sunlight from south-facing windows.
• Check for cracks where utilities enter the house and seal them.
• Check your roof, too, for signs of wear or damage.

Test your heating system early. Put this on your calendar! Don’t wait until it’s a tundra outside to turn on your furnace or heat pump.

• If you need repairs, schedule maintenance before HVAC companies get all booked up.

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Don’t leave this unattended!

• Replace batteries if needed and test them all. You want to make sure your family’s safe during the upcoming heating season.

Even though fall is upon us, know this: Winter is coming, as the show famously claims. You can never be too prepared!