Splurge on a scarf and check the chimney

Winter’s on its way — whether you like it or not. The best defence against winter is a good offense (and maybe a gorgeous scarf - don't you love Jenne Giles' rose scarf, which I found at The Artful Home?) On a more sensible note, there's excellent advice from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. They suggest you:

Have the furnace or heating system serviced (every two years for a gas furnace, and every year for an oil furnace.)

Clean or replace furnace air filters monthly until the Spring. (If you’re looking at replacing or upgrading an HVAC system, now is the time to do it. You can still benefit from the HRTC grant, you may qualify for energy retrofit grants (ask your supplier) and you’ll avoid the additional costs that the Harmonized Sales Tax will add to the installation next year.)

Check bathroom exhaust fans and range hoods to see that they are operating properly.

Vacuum electric baseboard heaters to remove dust.

Clean portable humidifiers.

Replace window screens with storm windows and remove interior insect screens to let air from the heating system keep condensation off the glass and allow more solar heat in.

Check that exterior doors close tightly.

Make sure windows and skylights close tightly; if they don't, repair or replace weatherstripping.    

Cover outside air-conditioning units, and shut off power.

Check chimneys for obstructions, such as nests.

Drain and store outdoor hoses.

Get more great advice about year-round home maintenance from the CMCH.