Winter has a distinct way of telling us that it's almost here. Cool winds blow away the warm weather, leaves gather in heaps beneath the trees and geese depart on their annual vacations. These signs also mean it's time to prepare your home for the oncoming season, after all, you just might find yourself spending a lot of time there.

Windows & Doors
    To make sure the cold air stays outside where it belongs, be sure to check your home's windows and doors to see that they're properly sealed. Tom Ferragini of Dominion Window and Door Ltd. suggests starting with the weatherstripping. "Weatherstripping can shrink over time and the corners are left open. It can also tear or crack and become brittle, which causes it to fall out," he says.

    It's also a cost-effective way to upgrade these areas. "Weatherstripping and caulking will repair defects, and it reduces air infiltration without spending a lot of money," adds Bernie Dudeck of Paramount Windows Inc.

    For an extra measure of protection, Yarrow Sash and Door Ltd.'s Michael Neufeld offers another option. "You can drill holes in the frame and put a low expansion foam into the cavity, which will insulate and act as an air barrier." Painting your wood windows will not only improve their appearance, but it will help to discourage cold leakage, too, says David Friesen from Dakota Door and Window. "When the sun melts the snow, it won't leak through. Windows will maintain their integrity."

Roofing
    The roof, ever important but often neglected, should be looked at by a professional if it is over five years old, says Randy Miller of Winnipeg Roofing and Renovations Ltd. "Pre-season inspections are always a valid idea. It can be as simple as physically inspecting the roof and recommending some options," he explains.

    Common concerns for many homeowners are missing or damaged shingles and proper ventilation, says Stuart Kennedy of RD Friesen Roofing. "You should check that the soffits are breathing properly and aren't blocked up by insulation."

    Another problem that often affects story-and-a-half and older homes is ice damming, says JML Roofing and Renovations' Jeff LePage. This occurs when snow on a roof melts and trickles down to the eavestroughs, where it refreezes. The process repeats itself and the resulting buildup is an ice dam, which can wreak havoc on shingles. "On older homes, you can install more vents," says LePage, "or if you're getting new shingles installed, an ice and water shield can be applied at eaves, in valleys and around skylights to prevent ice dams from forming."

Furnaces & Heating
    Aside from not heating your home properly, a malfunctioning furnace can bring serious harm to you and your family. "Make sure it's venting properly and taking a combustion of gases away from your home," says Malcolm Crooks of Winnipeg Home Heating Services.

    Siegfried Regier of Furnasman Heating Ltd. says the chimney is another spot to watch out for. "Check that it's not plugged or you can get carbon monoxide coming back into your house," he says.

    A heating professional knows the dangers to look for and should do so on a yearly basis. "You should have your furnace tested and cleaned to make the best possible use of the unit," says Frank Scott from Superior Heating and Air Conditioning.

    Aside from cleaning or changing the filter and watching for obvious problems, Lennox Industries Ltd.' Garry Norman says there isn't much the average homeowner can do without a professional. "Aside from that it's mechanical. It's not a good idea to stick your fingers in there, you run the risk of doing something you shouldn't be doing," he warns.

    And be sure to have your furnace checked before the temperature drops, says Emco Wholesale Heating Supplies' Gerry Chammartin. "It should be done around September or October, before it gets too cold, because you don't want your furnace breaking in the middle of winter!"

    The Trane Furnace Company suggests a qualified HVAC contractor perform an annual pre-winter service check, which should include the control system, ignition system, blower and motor assembly, including a general cleaning of the entire furnace.

Insulation
    Insulation is another key part of a home heating system. "It's important to have good insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs," says Kris Eyolfson of Penta Protective Coatings Ltd.

    "You're spending money on heating and if your insulation isn't performing properly, you're wasting money," MGI Canada Inc.'s Ed Kaspersion agrees.

    "The first step is to start at the top of your house and work your way down when you're checking the insulation," explains John Peterson of Owens Corning. R-value is the standard unit of measure in insulation and the higher the number, the more heat resistance it has. Peterson says attics should have R-40 batt insulation, but it can differ depending on the part of the house and its geographic location.