This winter is expected to be a cold, snowy one, with two-to-three major snow storms in the forecast. Have you winterized your home yet?

According to WTOP News, the predicated snowfall totals of 25 to 35 inches for much of the D.C. area and surrounding areas. Winterizing your home for the cold months ahead, not only ensures a safe and warm winter, but also allows for you and your family to stay warm this winter without breaking the bank. Who doesn’t like saving money, especially with the holidays on the horizon!

Below are five simple things you can do to ensure you have a warm, safe house this winter and some money left in your pocket.

1. Schedule a Maintenance Check Up
During the year, your heating system accumulates dust and dirt, making it less efficient and costing you additional money in utility bills. Add on lack of regular furnace inspection and maintenance, and you can count on your furnace breaking down! A Heating Inspection ensures your equipment is operating safely and not leaking dangerous carbon monoxide into your home. Preventive maintenance also saves you money by maximizing efficiency and minimizing costly breakdowns. Plus, when you maintain your system, your warranty is protected! A quick maintenance inspection is the best thing you can do to guarantee a warm, worry-free, energy-efficient winter.

2. Maintain Gutters
Ensure that there aren’t any clogs when the first snowstorm arrives. If your troughs are full of leaves, the snow and ice will not drain properly and can overflow the gutter, or even worse, weigh them down to the point that they could detach from the house and need re-installation. Save money and time by not skipping this important step!

3. Check Doors and Windows
Drafty windows make it harder, less efficient, and more expensive to heat your home. Windows are not maintenance-free and are commonly forgotten about until the winter months roll around. Caulking, or using weather sealing tape around your windows can help to keep cool air out of your home where it belongs!

4. Inspect Your Fireplace
Nothing is quite as cozy as your fireplace crackling on a cold, snowy winter night. Before you light it up, take a good look around your fireplace and chimney to ensure your home will be safe all winter long! Remove any combustibles or obstructions in your chimney, poorly maintained fireplaces can cause fires, so it is important to take caution before using your fireplace.

5. Change Your Furnace Filters
Regularly change your furnace’s filters throughout the winter! A dirty filter impedes air flow and greatly reduces efficiency. It is suggested to replace your furnaces filter every 60 days during the heating season.

It doesn’t take much to gear up for Old Man Winter. A day or two is all you realistically need to properly winterize your home. Calling in professionals can also help to expedite this process and will also ensure your home is in tip-top condition for the winter weather!