Angie's List Tips For Getting Your Home Ready For Winter

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The fall season is upon us and it's the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for winter.

Angie's List offers some tips on how to keep your home in tip-top shape and save energy costs, too.

Fall weather is settling into Pittsburgh. The leaves are falling and the air is crisp at night.

"The transition from summer to fall is a great time to get your house ready for winter. Check that your house is energy efficient and be sure that everything is in good condition to weather the storm," Angie Hicks said.

Consumer website Angie's List recommends checking four areas of your home to make sure that you are ready for winter.

First-check to see if your roof is leaking.

"The easiest way to see if you have a roof problem from interior of the house is to obviously inspect the ceilings. You can go up in the attic and see if you see any dark spots or stains on the underside of the roof itself," Jim Keffer said.

Second, remember to clean all of those leaves out of your gutters.

Third, seal cracks around your windows and doors.

"The first step is to walk around the exterior of your house and look for any small cracks or holes. Remember, even the tiniest crack can be inviting to unwanted guests. Get your caulk gun out and make sure they are all sealed tight," Hicks said.

To check for drafts, walk around your home with a lit candle. Drafts will pull the smoke towards any cracks and seal the areas where cold air is seeping in.

Finally, schedule a service appointment for your furnace and replace your filters each month.

A furnace with a clean filter will heat your house better and help save on energy costs.

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