Inspect your washer.

Your washing machine has a filter for its incoming water supply and this filter can get overloaded with gunk—grit, sand and even rust particles can creep in over time. This isn’t an area most homeowners are used to maintaining, but it’s an important one to do at least annually. However, if you’re not comfortable with turning off your water supply and unscrewing the water supply hose in order to take care of this overlooked task, call a plumber. Just be sure to run a test load of laundry after you’re done to be sure all of your washer’s pieces and parts are (firmly, please!) in place.

Check your firewood pile.

 Got fire? Great. Just be sure you have enough firewood to get you through the winter season, which typically brings more flaming hearths than at any other time of the year. Too many homeowners neglect their woodpile and are then disappointed to discover “there’s no wood in the shed.” (Ever run out of propane for your gas grill just when you were about to fire it up? Uh huh. Thought so.)

“Winterize” your outdoor plants and shrubs.

‘Tis the season… for chill and frost. And unless you’re growing your outdoor botanicals in the Arctic Tundra, you know they’re not so keen on the cold weather… to say the least! So treat them kindly by preparing them for the next several weeks of winter. First, stake around frost-sensitive shrubs and protect them with burlap. And don’t forget to mulch around plants to provide insulation and to protect those delicate roots—this fairly simple task really does offer the best protection for your plants. And if you need help, now’s a great time to find a local landscaper– business is slow so rates are typically lower than they are in-season. Check out Kudzu’s Winter Maintenance Guide for more to-do’s.

Check for leaks in toilet water feed and tank bottom.

9 out of 10 complaints that local water utilities receive from homeowners can be traced back to leaky toilets. You can do your own quick and easy test if you suspect a leaky loo. First, take the top off your tank and put a few drops of food coloring in the water. Wait at least 30 minutes and if you see ANY color in your bowl after that time, you’ve sprung a leak somewhere and it’s time to call a plumber.

Complete your entryway “to-do” list.

Now’s a perfect time to get these much-overlooked chores done. If your doorbell hasn’t been working all year long (and who knows how many visitors you’ve missed?) and you’ve spent most of your time on other areas of your home, find a handyman or fix it yourself. (Use that home store gift card you’re about to receive for the holiday to purchase the supplies!). Then, while you’re spending time by your front door, take a few moments to polish up the hardware out there. Your guests may not notice– but YOU will!

Bring plants indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures.

 No matter what container plants you keep on your porch or deck, if you haven’t done so already, bring them inside to an unheated area. A basement (or garage) is the perfect place to store them during a cold spell. Just be sure to take them back outside if you have a few unseasonably warm days. Switch them out like this all winter long… and you’ll be rewarded with living plants come springtime.

Drain and perform maintenance on your hot water heater.

Proper maintenance of your hot water heater can help it last for decades, and will save you a ton of money in repairs down the road. Leaks can develop over time and can slowly destroy a water heater from the outside. Also rust and sediment can build up in the appliance. A regular “tune-up” will prevent these problems. You can certainly drain the heater yourself, but a good plumber can do that plus inspect and repair your shutoff and connections… as well as your temperature and pressure relief valves.

Search for cracks and holes where animals can invade your home.

Now that the cold weather is finally settling in for winter in most areas of the country, animals such as possum, mice and squirrels will sneak into hidden openings in your home to look for warmth. Before you know it, you’ll hear scratching and squeaking noises from your attic or walls and it’ll be time to find a pest control company that specializes in getting rid of rodents. (Not always an easy task. And if you want to do it humanely—even more difficult.) Think you already have some furry invaders? Read this.

Inspect and seal your deck and fence.

50% of homes in the U.S. have a wooden deck or fence. Without protection, wood can rapidly deteriorate when exposed to water, sun, mold and even dirt. You can protect your deck yourself, using a variety of stains and sealers (though you’ll need to budget an entire weekend for the job). Or you can hire a professional NOW, when business typically slows down for outdoor maintenance contractors and you’ll get a better deal.

Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are functioning.

Colder weather means more closed doors and windows. It also means more carbon monoxide-related incidents in the home. Carbon monoxide is a clear, odorless and highly poisonous gas that can build up due to small gas leaks, poorly-functioning or unvented furnaces and more. If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector, get one… fast. If you DO have one, be sure to check it regularly by following manufacturer instructions. If you discover a problem with your furnace, find an HVAC professional, here.

Check bricks, blocks and foundation for cracked mortar.

Brick is one of the hardiest building materials around, as seen in the 2,000-year old brick streets that run through Rome. But the mortar that holds the bricks together? Not so much. Made from cement and sand, mortar can start deteriorating in just a few years. To test it, run a small screw along the joint and see if it remains hard as concrete or begins to crumble. When in doubt, contact a brick mason OR learn more about signs of masonry disrepair.

Check sidewalks for cracks or other damage.

If your sidewalks are cracked or loose, they can be hazardous and cause injury. Not to mention an uneven sidewalk that’s improperly sloped can cause serious drainage problems for your home. These issues can come up gradually over time, without you even noticing them. So take a walk around your property and inspect the concrete that runs through it. If you find a problem and are concerned with the potential expense, find out how much it costs to repair a sidewalk, here. Then when you’re ready, find a pro to do the work.

Consider replacing traditional thermostats with programmable ones.

According to ENERGY STAR, the average household spends $2,200 a year on energy bills and could save $180 a year by using a programmable thermostat to maintain proper heating and cooling settings. This one’s a no-brainer, so before the winter chill settles in and decides to stay a while, call your favorite local heating and air conditioning company and schedule an installation. Your wallet will thank you.

Check weatherstripping on doors.

Do this quick test: Close one of your outside doors on a sheet of paper. If the paper pulls out fairly easily and doesn’t tear, you’re likely losing energy and need to have a professional take a closer look at the weatherstripping and caulking around your doors. Those are real dollars flying out between those gaps, so don’t delay. Not sure which door and window contractor is right for you? Read this.

Rake or blow leaves.

Okay, this is obvious. In most areas of the country, all but the hardiest of leaves have left their branches… creating a pile (and a potentially huge mess and even damaging mold) on your lawn. But did you know that these fallen leaves contain tons of carbon? And when added to those lawn clippings you saved from last summer (you did save them, didn’t you?), they make an incredibly rich compost for your soil next Spring.