Here are eight things Clason Home Remodeling recommends taking care of before winter. It’s always a good idea to have a qualified home renovation professional tackle any major projects to make sure it’s being handled safely and skillfully.For more information on how Clason Remodeling can help you with your home improvement needs, visit https://www.kaclason.com.1. Consider an energy auditThe fall is a good time to have your home checked for energy efficiency. Some of the most common areas that can be addressed to improve the efficiency of your home before the winter are adding insulation and checking your windows and doors for leaks. Improving the insulation in your attic can cut winter energy costs by keeping the heat in your home where it belongs instead of rising to the attic.2. Doors & WindowsDoors and windows present several potential problem areas. Most notably, check for air leaks around the frames of both. Check for deteriorating outdoor molding, caulk and weatherstripping. New windows can make a big difference, especially in an older home. Clason Remodeling can walk you through all your options or help you address these issues.3. Prepare for a freezeThe most common winter home problem is frozen pipes. Be sure to shut off and drain outdoor water faucets. Protect indoor pipes by insulating those in unconditioned areas, such as basements or crawlspaces. Pay special attention to exposed pipes that face an outside wall, such as those under the kitchen sink.4. Inspect fireplace and chimneyAccording to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 17,000 chimney fires occur every year. Having your chimney inspected annually by a professional and cleaned as needed is the best way to prevent potential chimney fires. It’s also important to look for loose bricks, cracks or other damage to the fireplace.5. Furnace check-upFall is the best time to have your furnace inspected to make sure it’s ready for another harsh winter. At the very least, turn on the heat and run it for several minutes to make sure it’s working. Inspect and clean interior vents and exterior exhaust to ensure they are open and free of obstructions. Replace the furnace filter before winter for optimal operation.6. Clean and inspect guttersClogged gutters can cause a number of problems. Regular maintenance will help prevent water damage to your home. After the leaves have fallen is a good time to clean them out and remove other debris. The clutter will add weight if water freezes, increasing the chance of damage to the gutters. It also makes it more likely the gutters will back up and cause ice dams and other damage to your roof.7. Check for dead branchesTake a look outside. If there are any dead trees or dead branches, especially near the house, fall is a good time to think about removing them. A snow- or ice-covered dead branch may snap under the extra weight, risking injury to people or damage to your home.8. Test smoke and CO detectorsWith houses closed up tight and fireplaces and furnaces running, winter creates a higher risk of both fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Test your smoke and CO detectors and change batteries where necessary. Replace any detectors that aren’t functioning.Clason Remodeling is here to help you get ready for any season. Contact us today at the link above or call 603-630-7285 to discuss your remodeling needs!