Inspect your attic
Going into your attic is like a trip to your in-laws. It’s uncomfortable, and you probably won’t enjoy it. But these little excursions are necessary from time to time. If you haven’t inspected your attic lately, get up there and give it a thorough onceover. Your attic should be cool and dry. If it’s unusually warm or you see condensation on your roof’s sheathing or rafters, then you need to improve attic ventilation and insulation. If this problem isn’t addressed, it can lead to mold growth, produce conditions which cause ice dams and lead to elevated utility bills.
Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes
Freezing temperatures are bad news for pipes and exterior faucets. As water freezes, it expands and can burst plumbing lines and fixtures. More than 250,000 homes will experience ruptured pipes this winter, leaving homeowners with extensive water damage and some expensive repairs. Before cooler temperatures settle in, place a cover on all exterior faucets and wrap exposed plumbing in insulation. Pipes that are in unheated areas of your home such as attics, basements or crawlspaces are especially vulnerable when the temperatures drop.
Plant spring bulbs
Better get started now if you want to see tulips and daffodils in your flowerbeds next spring. Bulbs for spring flowers should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes. Planting bulbs this time of year will ensure the bulb’s root system has an opportunity to get established before winter arrives. The key to planting bulbs is to ensure they are located at the proper depth. As a general rule, bulbs should be planted three times as deep as the bulb is wide.