Ducts should be cleaned once every two years. Homeowners should also consider adding insulation to any exposed ductwork, to reduce heat loss and thereby reduce heating bills.

Have furnace checked by a technician. Many companies will do this at very low cost. Check and replace your filter at least once a year.

Test ground fault circuits. You should have ground fault circuits installed anywhere the outlet might be exposed to water. Test these by pushing the test button and verifying that it’s internal circuit breaker trips. If you don’t have these types of outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms, now is a good time to install them.

Twice a year vacuum or clean the fan cover/grille.

Change batteries in smoke detectors. At the same time, also check any others, such as carbon monoxide detectors, and change their batteries as well. If you live in an affected area, also perform a radon test.

Check all extinguishers, if you do not have any now is the time to buy some.

Before you light that first fire of the season, be sure to have the chimney inspected for animals, debris, and leaves that may have fallen in. We recommend installing a screen over the chimney opening to reduce the chance of the chimney becoming fouled.

Check your weather stripping and bottom door sweeps for wear & gaps. Excessive wear can cause air infiltration resulting in higher energy consumption.

Clean your gutters & downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to back-up, which can eventually damage the soffits located next to the gutters.

The ridge vents need to be cleaned at least annually in order to allow the house to “breath” correctly, or air can stagnate and create an unhealthy environment. Keep the ridge vent clear of snow during the winter to allow for proper ventilation which will help in reducing ice damns on your roof.

The average American Home has air leaks that amount to a 9-square foot hole in the wall, according to the EarthWorks Group. It is wise to inspect the caulking around windows and doors each year, and check for any cracking and peeling. Consider having a professional inspect your home and get an estimate to seal and insulate your home properly.

Have a leak inside your house? Chances are it’s your roof. Look for chipped or missing roof tiles or shingles. This is a good time to trim trees up away from the roof. Also make sure to check flashings, soffits, fascia and any wood trim that comes in contact with the roof for rotting or peeling paint.

Check for any cracks, deterioration or peeling paint. If there is excessive foundation cracking, call for a professional assessment. Otherwise, you can patch it yourself with mortar patch (which can be applied with a caulk gun).

Does water seem to settle around the house rather than drain away? Check to make sure that the soil slopes away from the house (1 inch per 6 feet is recommended). If it does not, simply backfill with some top soil until you reach the desired affect.

Look for peeling or cracked caulk and weather stripping. These can be easily purchased at any home improvement store and repaired in a small amount of time. Also, clean out window wells and check that all windows and doors open, shut and lock properly.

Sealing your wooden porches and decks on an annual basis will help prevent against rotting and deterioration. Secure any wobbly rails or steps and replace or treat any rotting or deteriorating wood. Check patios for cracks or settling and repair, as necessary.

Check for cracking and fill with concrete-patch, as needed. Taking the time to seal your concrete areas will help prevent any further cracking and deterioration.

Inspect attics and crawlspaces for any signs of water leakage and repair, as necessary. In addition, look for mildew, rot and fungus growth. Repair any loose or damaged insulation and check that attic vents are functioning properly. Look for any signs of pests and treat as necessary by placing bait or traps – or hiring a professional exterminator.