3 . Insulate your home to get rid of drafts Keeping heat inside your home will save energy and keep you warm all winter . Before cold weather sets in , inspect your home for any drafty areas that you can better insulate . Attics are commonly under-insulated — if your attic doesn ’ t have enough insulation , roll sheets of unbacked insulation between the floor joists . This will not only keep in heat but will also help reduce the risk of ice dams forming on your roof . If you have a drafty window , consider getting heavier insulated curtains or sealing off the window with plastic film . Door insulation can be improved by adding foam weatherstripping to the inside of your door and by replacing the screen in your storm door with a glass pane for the season .
4 . Perform regular maintenance on your furnace Properly maintained HVAC systems will run more efficiently and heat your home better . Replace your HVAC system air filters every 90 days or as recommended by the manufacturer . In the fall , conduct furnace maintenance while the weather is still mild so you have time to complete any necessary repairs before winter . Take time to inspect your ducts for any leaks that will make the system work harder than it needs to . You should also have a professional inspect your HVAC system regularly — a yearly inspection is likely fine for a newer system , but an older system should be inspected twice a year in the fall and spring to make sure it ’ s ready to handle extreme weather .
Speak to your insurance broker if you have questions about coverage related to damage caused by a fireplace or HVAC system .