I came across an article today posted in October from the Edmonton Journal, and with winter approaching, I thought this would be helpful for you.  You can read this below or view it on the Edmonton Journals website.

Get Your Property Ready for Winter

Operating and maintaining a home can be a tough balancing act. Seasonal maintenance is a must, but it can be easy to neglect everything from small repairs to larger projects if they don't fit within the budget.

Here are 10 projects to get your home winter-ready -- and maybe even get a head start on the holiday season:

- Banish water wasters: Repair that leaky tap and water-guzzling toilet for good. Efficient faucets use up to 70-per-cent less water, yet provide the same pressure as traditional faucets. A low-flow toilet will use up to 60-per-cent less water than old toilets and can be installed in an afternoon. Estimated cost: $270 (toilet, sink faucet)

- Cleanup, high up: Before he first snowfall, examine and thoroughly clean eavestroughs and gutters. Clearing leaves, sticks and debris from these areas avoids costly repairs that result from gutter rusting and roof damage. Take the opportunity to carefully inspect your roof's surface for any needed repairs. Estimated cost: $31.99 (lawn and leaf compostable bags, utility gloves, ladder rental)

- Make functional decor updates: Replace bedroom or living room window coverings with thermal drapes. These insulated window coverings do double duty: They keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Thermal drapes are available in a wide range of colours and styles. Estimated cost: $34.95 to 45.95/pair

- Fall dust down: Now is the time to thoroughly clean and vacuum heating ducts, grilles, registers and ceiling fans. Air filters should be replaced as least once every six months as they can become clogged, causing your system to work less efficiently and increasing operating costs. Without proper cleaning, dust particles will be circulated throughout the home. Estimated cost: $27.99 (all-purpose cleaner, air purifier)

- Install door sweeps: Simple window leaks can be sealed with some caulking, but don't forget a door sweep to take care of air leaks at the bottom of doors, which are common in older homes. A door sweep is easy to install with a few simple screws. And by applying weather stripping, you can save 20 per cent on heating and cooling bills. Estimated cost: $20.99 (door sweep, caulking)

- Prepare for snow removal: The first heavy snow fall of the season is often a surprise. Must-haves should include a car brush, a shovel for driveways and walkways and a walkway de-icer.Estimated cost: $53.97 (snow brush, shovel, 10-kilogram bag of de-icer)

- Energy-efficient holiday lights: Looking for a reason to kick-start the holiday season earlier this year? Take advantage of energy savings and upgrade your holiday lights. Seasonal LED lights are 95-per-cent more energy efficient than traditional incandescent holiday lights and last up to seven times longer. Estimated cost: $24.99 (70 LED white lights)

- Prepare drains for winter: Get ready for the spring snow melt now by adding a downspout extension to your current drainage system. Come spring, melting snow and ice will run at least three or four feet away from your home's foundation. Make sure exterior faucets have been turned off, as any water left in the pipe could freeze, forcing expensive repairs for burst pipes. Estimated cost: $13.79 (downspout extension)

- Perform a seasonal furnace check: A dirty furnace is less efficient, especially during the winter months when it is in constant use. Replace or clean the furnace filter in early fall and once a month during periods of continuous use. To check the filter, take it out and hold it up to the light. If it looks clogged, be sure to wash or replace it with a new filter of the same type and size. Estimated cost: $27.99 (allergen-reduction filter)

- Make the switch to LED: Next time you need to replace a bulb, consider switching to an LED light bulb. LEDs can be used in many fixtures of your home, including accent lights. They use up to 80-per-cent less energy to produce the same amount of brightness as that of compact fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. With a lifespan of up to five times longer than traditional bulbs, LEDs are great choices for those hard to reach lights or lamps that get a lot of use. Estimated cost: $19.98 /bulb

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