Like it or not, the colder weather is coming. By preparing your Long Island home now, you can save money and make your home safe for the winter months ahead.

Here’s our checklist for getting your home ready for the winter:

• Check doors and windows for leaks. Add weather-stripping and caulk holes to prevent heat from escaping.

• Switch your window screen to storm windows. Storm windows are more efficient as it allows less heat to leak through to the outside.

• Check your attic insulation and seal any holes.

• Have your HVAC inspected to ensure it’s in working order and improve efficiency. Regular maintenance is important as small problems can quickly become dangerous if not corrected.

• Consider updating your old heating system to a more energy efficient one. This will help you save on your monthly bills.

• Check your air filter. A dirty filter can create problems and affect efficiency so change it’s a good idea to change it before the beginning of the season.

• Make sure your thermostat is working properly. Consider switching to programmable thermostats, which are more energy efficient.

• Switch thermostat from cooling to heating.

• By installing storm windows you will be able to decrease the amount of heat leaking through your windows and into the outdoors. These will be more energy efficient.

• Have your chimney checked for any obstructions or soot buildup.

• Clean burners of dust that might have accumulated during the summer months.

• Examine all heating ducts to make sure they are properly sealed and make sure all heating vents are uncovered.

• Reverse your ceiling fan’s direction so the blades move upwards. Fans blowing downward can make a room feel up to 10 degrees cooler. Switching to upward circulation can ensure that the heat is circulated properly in your room.

And, remember, if you have any issues with your heating system when you start it up, call Dole Fuel and we can help you get everything working at 100% efficiency before it gets too cold outside!