While the weather might be nice now, seasons change. As this happens, homeowners everywhere need to be winterizing their homes. Winterizing is a term that means to prepare something for colder weather conditions. Like winterizing your car is needed to drive safely, this also needs to happen within your home. If you’re ready to begin winterizing your home, you’ll only need to follow a few simple steps. With that in mind, here are five ways to get your home ready for the winter.

• Have an HVAC Maintenance Check Performed
  
  Many homeowners find it beneficial to schedule regular heating and cooling system maintenance checks. These visits help to find and fix small heating issues before they become out of control. After this, you’ll be contacting the same service for emergency repairs which will likely cost more money. You can also contact heating services to make sure your HVAC system is installed properly. Statistics show that improperly installed HVAC equipment causes your home to lose 30% of its heating and cooling ability. Considering that, it’s wise to ensure that this system is installed properly.
• Regularly Replace Your HVAC Filters
  
  Replacing your air filters is a great solution for winterizing your home. These filters are made to block particles from entering your home. While new filters work well for a while, it’s recommended to replace these items every few months. In addition to keeping your air clean, replacing these filters places less strain on your HVAC system. Homes with clogged air filters are often the same ones needing emergency repairs.
• Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
  
  The next step for winterizing your home involves your ceiling fans. It’s common to still turn on ceiling fans throughout the winter. During warmer seasons, ceiling fans send cool air throughout your home. As the weather cools, reversing these fans supplies warmer air.
• Check Your Windows
  
  One study found that 25% of a home’s heat is lost through small foundational cracks and holes. Considering that, cracks commonly take place near your windows. With that in mind, it’s worth taking a look at your home’s windows. If you’re noticing cracks, it’s important to consider getting these issues taken care of. In turn, you’ll likely begin to notice your home has an easier time remaining warm.
• Make Your Home Smarter
  
  Technology can help you in regards to winterizing your home. With that in mind, consider having a smart thermostat system installed. Smart thermostats are able to learn how you prefer to heat your home. This enables your heating and cooling systems to perform in a more efficient manner. In addition, you can enable your smart thermostat to remain off whenever you’re away from home.

To summarize, there are several ways to properly winterize your home. If you’re continually experiencing problems, it’s time to replace your home heating system. Statistics show that these systems should be replaced after being used for over 12 to 15 years. Other conditions warranting a heating system replacement include it making odd noises or being unable to adequately provide warmth. In order to find out the exact condition of your system, consider contacting a heating company. In turn, a professional can find out whether your system needs to be repaired or replaced.