It's time to get ready for winter rains and chilly weather

Fall is in the air, which means that winter can't be too far behind. So before the cold weather arrives here's your annual checklist of things to do to get your home ready for the change of season.

INSIDE YOUR HOME

Check smoke detectors: Please don't neglect the smoke detectors any longer! Take some time right now to check the operation of detectors and to change the batteries. Battery-powered smoke detectors are inexpensive and very easy to install, so add one to each bedroom and make sure there is one in the hallway outside of the bedrooms, and centrally located on each level of the home as well.

Install a carbon monoxide detector:A fire is not the only danger you can face inside your home. As houses get closed up for winter, the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning from malfunctioning gas appliances increases substantially. If you have a furnace, fireplace, water heater or other appliance that is fueled by propane or natural gas, now is the ideal time to install a carbon monoxide detector. They're available inexpensively from many home centers and retailers of heating system supplies, they're an easy do-it-yourself installation, and they can truly be a lifesaver!

Clean furnace ducts: A surprising amount of dirt can accumulate inside your home's furnace ducts, which can decrease your furnace's efficiency and add unnecessary dust to the indoor air. Now is the time to have a professional duct cleaning service come out and take care of this for you. Have them check that your ducts are well-sealed also. There is no sense in heating an attic area, and it can cost you money!

Change your furnace filters: Now is also the time to change your furnace filter and you might consider spending a few extra dollars and install one with a higher efficiency rating then the standard inexpensive filters have. While you're changing the filter, consult the owner's manual for the furnace to see if any annual fix-ups of belts, pulleys and other components are necessary - follow all of the manufacturer safety instructions for shutting the power and fuel to the furnace before servicing. You may want to vacuum that cold air return area when you change the air filter.

Clean and inspect the fireplace: Last winter your fireplace was building up a layer of soot and creosote and you've no doubt forgotten all about that during the summer. Before you light the first log, clean the fireplace chimney or wood stove flue using brushes approved for the size and type of flue you have, or consider hiring a chimney sweep to take care of this task for you - most do a great job at a very reasonable price. Clean out the firebox, making sure you place the ashes in a fireproof container with a tight lid for proper disposal. If you have an airtight wood stove or fireplace insert, check the door-seal gasket, and clean the glass on the door.

OUTSIDE THE HOUSE

Check weather-stripping: When you have gaps around doors, windows or other areas that penetrate the exterior of your home, you waste expensive heated air from inside as well as allow annoying drafts to keep you from feeling comfortable. Fall is the time to check the weather-stripping around doors and windows, and replace any that are worn. Everything you need can be found at home centers and retailers who specialize in doors and windows. Now is also a good time to close up a few more air leaks by checking the condition of caulking around exterior door and window frames and other penetrations.

Check and clean gutters: Time to break out the ladder and clean your gutters of leaf and pine needle debris and check that the opening between the gutter and the downspout is unobstructed. Check the entire system for loose joints or other structural problems, and use a gutter sealant to seal any connections where leaks may be occurring. For any repairs or cleaning you don't want to undertake yourself, you can also consider the services of a professional gutter company. Make sure the downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Use splashblocks if needed.

Adjust exterior grade: Fall is also a great time to take a long look at the grade around your home, and make sure that everything slopes away from your foundation to avoid costly problems with ground water. Add, remove or adjust soil grades as necessary for good drainage. Clean area drains as necessary. Flush them out with a hose.

Check roof condition: The time before the rainy season arrives is much better to address roof problems than during a rainstorm! Avoid the cost of leaky roofs by sealing holes in the roof or replacing the roof altogether if necessary. Check the condition of mastic (that black stuff) around vent pipes, check all flashings, fix broken or missing shingles or tiles, clean valleys, and do other basic maintenance to the roof before the rains come.