Our real estate agents can help you find the perfect home to meet your needs. Taking care of that home you've bought, though, is up to you. Now that the weather is beginning to cool down, it's time to prepare your home for winter and the seasonal chill. Here are a few things you need to do.

• Furnace Maintenance. When looking at North Canton homes for sale, a home inspection can tell you how old the HVAC system is and its condition. However, if you want it to stay in good condition, you need to schedule annual maintenance, generally in the fall, just before heating season begins. Your HVAC technician can tighten screws, replace failing components or bad wiring, and make sure everything's working properly. They'll also ensure you have enough insulation, that your thermostat is calibrated properly, and a host of other things to help your system run at peak efficiency.
  
  
• Ceiling Fans. Heat rises, making your furnace's warm air take longer to reach you. However, if you reverse the direction of your ceiling fans, so they're running clockwise, instead of cooling your home, the blades will push down that warm air to make things more comfortable.
  
  
• Pipes. Any exposed pipes, such as in your attic or garage or underneath your kitchen or bathroom sinks, should be insulated during freezing temperatures. You can buy insulation sleeves or, in a pinch, wrap them in several layers of old newspapers. For outdoor pipes, shut the water off at the source and drain the spigots. Detach and drain any hoses as well. Then, wrap the pipes as you did with the ones indoors.
  
  
• Seal Leaks. If you're looking at Akron homes for sale, you can ask for a home energy audit as part of the inspection to discover any air leaks that can let cold air in and warm air out. Then, you can seal the leaks so your furnace can work more efficiently. You should also check for leaks in your ductwork where warm furnace air can escape before it reaches your home. Seal these leaks with metal tape or mastic sealant (not duct tape) to save up to 30% on energy bills.
  
  
• Gutters and Roof. Leaves and debris in your gutters can cause ice dams. The debris blocks the water flow, so it pools and freezes, causing the gutters to break. Once the leaves have all fallen from the trees, clean your gutters thoroughly before the temperatures drop below freezing. Also, check for damage to your roof. Any missing or broken shingles can compromise its integrity, causing leaks into your attic during freezing weather. Call a professional to repair the damage.
  
  
• Fireplace. If you have a fireplace, have it inspected by a licensed professional before using it. The inspector will clean the chimney, check for damage, and ensure everything is safe and working properly.
  
  
• CO Detectors. Gas leaks can cause serious illness or even death. That's why, when running your furnace, it's important to ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. You should have one on each floor, including the basement. To test them, press the button on each one and listen for the beep. Replace the batteries every six months, and replace the detectors every 7-10 years.

With a little preparation, you can keep your new home warm and comfortable throughout the cold Ohio winter. If you're ready to make this area your new home, contact us. We'll help you find your perfect house in a neighborhood you'll love.