Fall weather is currently pretty mild, which means right now is the perfect time to start winter-proofing your home. Milder weather gives you the chance to get the work done before harsh winter temperatures roll in. Beavercreek homes for sale see some beautiful winters, but that doesn't mean winters are harmless. So, where should you focus your time? Here are the top winter-proofing tasks that should be on your checklist according to our REALTORS®.

• Have your furnace serviced
  Your furnace should ideally be serviced every year. It can wear down from being used constantly all winter and then sitting dormant all summer. A trained technician can change the filter, test the furnace's operation, and perform any necessary maintenance. You'll want to schedule soon to beat the fall rush. That way your furnace will keep you warm all winter long!
  
  
• Check for drafts
  Drafts are more than just annoying. They let heat escape which makes it more expensive to heat your home. The most common places you'll find leaks are around windows and doors. If you find a leak, install weather stripping and seal up cracks with caulking to help your home stay warm and allow your furnace to do less work.
  
  
• Clean your gutters
  In a neighborhood with a lot of big trees, gutters should be cleaned twice a year. If your gutters can be reached easily with a ladder, you can clean them yourself by manually removing debris and then flushing downspouts with your garden hose. If your gutters are high or hard to access, call a gutter company to have this done professionally. That way, you won't risk any injury, and the job will be done right.
  
  
• Make sure your water heater is prepped
  Just like your furnace, having your water heater inspected and maintained will help it last longer and perform better. Sediment from the water can build up inside the tank over time, settling on the bottom and coating the heating element. This can cause corrosion, leaks, and reduce the effectiveness of the heating element. Flushing the water heater annually prevents the buildup from damaging or completely ruining your water heater.
  
  
• Have your roof inspected
  While you clean your gutters, you may want to take a good look at your roof. A new roof likely will need no maintenance, but rain, hail, and wind throughout the year can still damage the shingles on any roof. If left unchecked, damaged shingles can worsen with heavy winter snow, leading to leaks inside your home. If your roof has a few years under its belt, definitely consider having a professional come and inspect it.
  
  
• Mulch your garden
  Think that your garden doesn't need any attention because your flowers die in the fall and winter? Think again! If you put in some work now, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful garden in the spring. Mulch your flower beds and vegetable gardens to help protect any perennials and keep the moisture in the soil throughout the winter. For a cost-effective option, repurpose your raked leaves to cover your garden and save yourself money on buying mulch at the garden store.

For more home improvement tips or to start searching for your dream home, Contact Wright-Patt Realty today.