While jack frost might not be nipping at your nose quite yet, Midwest dwellers know the end of summer means that winter is coming around the corner. And while we may hope for a long fall, with plenty of time to enjoy our favorite pumpkin lattes and fall foliage, it’s time to start preparing our homes for winter.

Here are some basic steps to help protect your house and belongings from harsh winter weather.

1. Protect pipes by shutting off water: In states prone to cold winter weather, such as Minnesota, it’s important to protect your pipes from damage due to freezing water. Make sure to disconnect any garden hoses, shut off the main water valve located inside your home, and drain all valves to protect your pipes from bursting and other inconvenient and costly damage this winter.
2. Prepare your outdoor furniture: While there’s still plenty of autumn to enjoy outdoor living, such as gathering with friends and family around a cozy fire table chat set, it will soon be time to protect your outdoor furniture from harsh winter weather. We recommend outdoor protective furniture covers to extend the life of cushions and frame finishes when these pieces are not in use or there is a threat of rain or snow. If space allows, you can also move outdoor furniture indoors, or to a garage or shed, to help protect your porch, patio or poolside investment.
3. Guard your garden: When night-time temperatures start dropping, it’s time to bring your favorite potted plants indoors. For gardens, you can get the most out of your crops by watching the weather forecast for frost warnings and covering vegetable plants by draping sheets or frost blankets over the plants.
4. Prepare windows and doors: Fall is a good time to inspect your window frames for rot and decay before winter weather approaches. You can also check for drafts and caulk as needed to keep out the cold, and save on heating costs by weatherstripping doors and windows to help keep cold air outside and heat inside your home.
5. Inspect wood-burning fireplaces: Before you start using your wood-burning fireplace to keep cozy in the winter, it’s important to inspect the fireplace, making sure the chimney is free from critters and the fireplace is operating correctly.
6. Inspect your furnace: Test your furnace now to make sure it’s working properly and you don’t get stuck waiting for a repair in the early winter rush. You can also schedule a yearly furnace inspection and maintenance by a qualified technician.

By planning early to prepare your home for winter, you can be ready to enjoy sweater season, sipping hot cocoa and snuggling up under your favorite cozy throw inside the comfort of your home.