Temperatures are dropping and the nights are drawing in While it is all too easy to relax indoors and prepare for hibernation, now is the time to prepare your home There are many things to do indoors and out to prevent cold weather damage Here are some top tips not to forget

1 Clear away and cover outdoor furniture - brush off dead leaves and debris Furniture that may be damaged by heavy rain or frost should be covered If your furniture does not come with a cover, you can purchase a "Patio Furniture Set Cover" or similar item from Amazon Don't forget to weight or secure it so it won't come off in high winds

2 Cover vulnerable plants - Not all plants need covering, but delicate tropical plants are more susceptible to low temperatures and frost If you are not sure which plants should be covered, check the care tags If they are small and portable, you can bring fragile plants indoors, but if not, they should be wrapped in fleece and tied with string or sealed from above with a fleece bag We recommend the ANPHSIN 2-Pack Drawstring Plant Cover from Amazon

3 Shut off outdoor faucets and irrigation systems - Check for dripping water from outdoor faucets and irrigation systems Disconnect hoses and drain water from the system before shutting it off

4 clean out gutters and install gutter guards - No one likes to do this, but leaves from fallen trees can quickly accumulate in gutters this time of year Take the time to clean out your gutters to prevent them from overflowing and causing water damage It's also a good idea to install gutter guards to prevent heavy rains from backing up your gutters This stainless steel micromesh product from Amazon is a good example

5 Drain the gas from the mower - Any gas left in the mower will expire while it is stored for the winter and should be emptied If the gas has preservatives in it, it can be saved for use in the spring or for snow plows Empty as much as possible and run the mower until it is completely dry before storing

6 Make sure the generator gas is fresh - A generator gives you peace of mind this time of year, but it is useless if the gas is not fresh Do a test run to make sure it is fully functional

7 insulate the house - Insulating the house, including the water pipes, not only keeps it warm, but also prevents damage such as peeling paint and burst pipes Insulating is as simple as investing in thick curtains and foam tubing to cover water pipes It is worth doing because it saves energy to heat the house and money on repairs

8 Ventilate your home well if you don't want mold growing on your walls in the winter If you have a particularly humid room, such as a bathroom after a shower, open a window to ventilate it You may also want to use a dehumidifier

9 Fix the boiler - The last thing you want your boiler to break down in the next few months If it needs to be replaced, now is the time

10 clean the fireplace - This is especially important if you haven't used the fireplace in months and plan to use it in the winter First, remove the ashes with a broom or shovel If you have a brick hearth or wall, scrape off excess ash with a wire brush or sponge, then spray the bricks with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to clean them The roof should also be checked, as fallen branches may be blocking the chimney Also, have a chimney sweep contractor clean the flue to remove soot and residue that has accumulated inside

11 Inspect Snow Blower - The snow blower has likely not been used for some time, so give it a trial run now before it is needed If there are any problems or repairs, it is much easier to address them before the snow falls You need to fill up with new fuel and check the oil and tire pressure

12 cover the air conditioner - If you have central air conditioning, you may want to cover the outdoor portion with a tarp or similar covering However, do not operate the air conditioner after covering it If you have a window air conditioner, remove and store it as well Closing the windows will not only improve insulation, but also prevent extra wear and tear on the air conditioner

Use these tips and guides to prepare for the fall holidays