We don't want to admit it but winter is coming and we need to get our homes ready with this Winter Home Maintenance Checklist!

1. Drafts - twice a year check for air leaks. Add caulking if needed. Buy a storm door or a draft blocker that you can put at the bottom of a door to block the cold air.

2. Heating System - have a licensed professional check your system over. It will save you money in the long run.

3. Critters - Check your attic to make sure that your ductwork hasn't come loose or disconnected by possible animal infestation. Make sure your ductwork has adequate insulation.

4. Gutters - they can become clogged with all of the leaves and rain build-up we have been seeing lately. Build-ups can cause rotting. Eww!

5. Drip, drip - Unhook all outside hoses!

6. Chimney - call a professional to clean your chimney. If you use your fireplace throughout the winter, prevent chimney fires by rechecking periodically.

7. Slippery surface - Keep tools on hand such as sand and snow shovels to de-ice the steps and walk in front of your home.

8. Keep the snow out - check siding and shutters to ensure that all are secure. High winds can strip elements such as these. A blown open door can cause thousands in damage when the snow makes itself an unwanted visitor.

9. The bough that breaks - trim trees that are overgrown to prevent them from falling on your home and damaging your roof.

An Iowa couple wasn’t so lucky. Unfortunately, the blizzard they thought they were escaping when they went on vacation decided to let itself in and make itself comfy. A family member who came to check on the house found snow piled in the hallway and kitchen—and even inside some closets and cupboards. How’d it get there? Heavy winds had blown open a side door.
Culprit: Blizzard and a blown-open door. When snow floods into a home and no one’s around to clean it up right away, it has nothing to do but melt. Unfortunately for the Ehlers, this type of water damage is usually not covered by insurance. 

Repairs needed: Drywall, trim, carpet and flooring, paint and wall finish, and furniture and personal items.

The bill: $5,896