Winter is on its way and it’s bringing shorter days, longer nights, and plummeting temperatures that will make you want to hibernate.

Let’s face it, there is no escaping winter. With the big chill already hitting so many areas, you will want to be prepared so you can avoid unwelcome problems, and feel confident that your home and family will stay safe, dry, and warm.

Suggestions you can warm up to

Make sure to have your flue and chimney inspected and cleaned by an expert every year, without fail. Cracks and birds’ nests can mean trouble, not to mention that any buildup of creosote and soot can be a real fire hazard. Just one spark from a burning log can ignite a chimney fire. Cracks or blockages on the inside can also let toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide, into your home. Your chimney should be checked on the outside as well, for broken bricks and crumbling mortar which can cause costly damage.

End energy-eating fireplaces

When it comes to your damper, make sure it opens, closes, and seals tightly. Unless you’re burning a fire, always keep the damper closed, so it doesn’t draw warm air out and create a downward draft. This also saves energy. Metal dampers can leak air if they warp, so consider getting a reusable, removable chimney plug that inflates and seals the flue. If you don’t use your wood-burning fireplace, block it off for the season with a seal from the hardware store and place a decorative screen on the hearth, so the seal is not visible.

For those who do enjoy a crackling fire, keep a stockpile of wood on hand for cosy nights, or in case of an emergency such as a power failure. Fast-burning hot fires create less smoke and pollution, and can be a great source of radiant heat in the room. If you also have a gas fireplace, have it professionally inspected to make sure it’s in good working order and that there is no risk of a carbon monoxide leak.

Get it out of the gutter

Falling foliage means it’s time to grab your ladder, rubber gloves, bucket, and garbage bags, plus remove leaves and debris from your eavestroughs. Melting snow that can’t drain can form an ice dam and cause water to back up into your shingles and roof structure, and inflict damage to your walls, floors, ceilings and insulation.

Roof moss and algae also cause wetness and dangerous mould. While you’re at it, clear downpipes and run water through the system. Gutter guards, or mesh covers can be used year-round to minimize debris buildup. If there is a problem on your roof, rest assured there are problems in your home, so reshingle your roof while Mother Nature is co-operating.

Stop blowing hot air and big bucks

Having a professional furnace inspection, cleaning and tune-up every year is a must. Regular maintenance can cut energy costs, prevent carbon monoxide leaks, and keep your home safe and healthy — especially when your furnace is cranked up and working full time. An underperforming or malfunctioning furnace in the dead of winter can be an expensive nightmare.

Heating represents a large percentage of an average home’s energy costs, and inefficiencies will cause that number to soar. Sediment buildup can compromise your furnace’s performance and become a fire hazard. Change the filter monthly to maximize air flow and energy efficiency, and use the right filter — not simply the cheapest. Turn down the heat when you’re away and keep it comfortable when you’re home. Remember, it takes less energy to warm a cool home than maintain high heat all day.

Now is the ideal time to also replace old thermostats with programmable ones. They’re easy to install and you’ll recoup your investment quickly. The new technology is Wi-Fi enabled so you can control the thermostat from your digital devices, even when you’re not home. The cold hard truth is, if you spend a little time and energy now, you can save a lot of money and potential grief later, and enjoy this winter in comfort.

Mike Holmes : Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Home Safe & Healthy in the Chilly Winter Months | National Post