By Madison Gas and Electric

Here’s a checklist of things to do to get your home ready for the change of season.

Inside

1. Check the batteries in your programmable thermostat. Don’t come home to a cold house. 
2. Check smoke detectors. Test smoke detectors to make sure they are working and change the battery if needed. 
3. Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. CO is a silent killer. If you have a furnace, fireplace, water heater or other appliance that is fueled by fossil fuel, the chances of CO poisoning from malfunctioning appliances increases substantially as houses are closed up for the winter. Exhaust fumes from an attached garage can also leak into living areas. CO detectors are inexpensive. Just plug them in, and they could save your life.
4. Change your furnace filter. Before the heating season starts, change your furnace filter. If you haven’t had your furnace serviced for more than two years, now’s a good time to do that also.
5. Clean and inspect the fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces can get a buildup of creosote in the chimney. Have the chimney checked and cleaned if necessary. Close the damper when not in use.

Outside

1. Check the weatherstripping around doors and windows and replace as needed. Leaks around windows and doors not only create drafts but also waste heat.
2. Check and clean gutters. Blocked gutters and downspouts can cause water backup. Clean your gutters of leaves and other tree debris. Check all connections.
3. Check and clean the dryer venting system. Replace white plastic vent hose with a metallic vent pipe.
4. Turn off outdoor faucets. Disconnect and drain hoses. Install freeze-proof faucet covers as needed.