RICHMOND—While the weather is still pleasant, now is the time to start preparing your home for the winter using a seasonal maintenance checklist.

Virginia winters can range from mild to severe, and whether you live in the mountains or along the coast, it’s important to prep your home to ensure comfort.

“Maintaining a home should be done year-round,” said Laurie Gannon, vice president of claims for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “Take care of your home, and your home will take care of you.”

If you rely on a fireplace or woodstove during chilly days, Gannon advised scheduling an annual chimney inspection and cleaning. Creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood, can accumulate inside chimneys and lead to fires if not cleaned properly.

Next, check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries if needed. With more indoor heating, the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure increases, and functioning alarms can save lives.

“As soon as the weather starts to get cooler and there is a chill in the air, fires are our No. 1 cause of loss,” Gannon cautioned.

Additionally, maintaining an energy-efficient home is key to keeping warmth in and heating bills down. In older homes, cold drafts can seep inside, so replace worn weather stripping, seal gaps, and caulk around windows and doors. Insulating exposed pipes in crawl spaces and basements can prevent freezing and lower the risk of bursts.

Whether you have a furnace or a heat pump, make sure it’s in good working order before the first frost. Clean or replace filters to keep the system running efficiently, and schedule a professional inspection to catch any issues early.

Virginia’s unpredictable weather also means preparing the exterior of your home. Clear fallen leaves and debris from gutters to prevent clogs and ice dams. Clogged gutters can cause water to leak inside, leading to costly repairs. While checking the gutters, inspect the roof for any loose or damaged shingles.

Trim tree branches that overhang the house or driveway, as heavy snow and ice can cause them to snap and damage property. Also, drain outdoor faucets and hoses to prevent freezing and cracked pipes.

Finally, if planning a wintertime trip away, “maintain your heat as though you are home,” Gannon advised.

“When pipes freeze, water will fill the structure. No one wants to come home to a house full of water.”

Media: Contact Gannon at 804-290-1423 or Alice Kemp at 804-290-1138.