Autumn is here. The days are getting shorter and the nights a little cooler. Now is the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the cold weather to come. Follow this checklist of home maintenance items to optimize energy savings while ensuring that your household is safe and comfortable all winter long.

✔ Check your heating system. Hire a qualified professional to inspect and clean your heating system. This will help ensure efficient performance and alert you to any potential maintenance or repair issues.

✔ Change your HVAC filter. Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your heating system work harder to keep you comfortable. Change your air filter regularly according to manufacturer's instructions.

✔ Clean your chimney. If you have a chimney, hire a qualified professional to clean it. A cleaning typically includes an inspection for soot buildup, obstructions, cracks in the chimney liner and signs of water damage.

✔ Air seal your basement. Check for air leaks around pipe or wiring holes on outside walls. Seal any leaks you find with expandable spray foam. Also, check for gaps where the wall meets the ceiling. Fill smaller gaps with caulk; fill larger gaps by stuffing in pieces of insulation.

✔ Test detectors. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to ensure that they work. Wired detectors should also have fresh battery backups. Replace any detectors that are 10 years old or older.

✔ Seal windows and doors. Check windows and exterior doors for gaps that can let warm air escape. Seal any you find with caulk or weatherstripping.

✔ Look at outdoor lighting. With nights getting longer, check outdoor security lights and switch out bulbs at or near end of life. LEDs are highly efficient, last longer longer than conventional bulbs and work well in cold temperatures.

✔ Clear gutters and downspouts. Blocked gutters can keep water from melting snow from draining. This can lead to the buildup of ice dams. Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris.

✔ Trim trees away from your house. Heavy ice and snow can cause tree branches to fall. If they are hanging over your roof, they can cause serious damage.

✔ Maintain backup power. Make sure your generator or energy storage system is ready to go. Follow manufacturer's guidelines regarding testing, maintenance and safe operation.

✔ Sustain your snow blower. Inspect and test your snow blower to ensure that it's running and in good condition. If your unit is older or in need of repair, upgrade to an electric battery-powered model. Cordless electric blowers provide plenty of power for most needs. They also start easier than conventional units and operate quieter.

✔ Stock up. Make sure you have everything you need to maintain your property during extreme weather, such as snow shovels, rock salt and other deicers.

With a little extra effort now, your home will be cozy and comfortable, and energy efficient during those cold winter days and nights to come.