As jack-o-lanterns decay on porches from Back Bay to Beacon Hill, the air chills to a crisp, clean freeze. Winter creeps into Boston’s edges with the orange and red leaves of the maples that line the streets. Winter brings more than than snowmen, snowball fights, and fairy lights on brick houses though. The cold and snow leads to roof leaks, burst pipes, and chilly Sunday nights, especially in a Boston home.

Don’t worry about Winter maintenance, though!

We’ve put together a handy list so you can start preparing now for Jack Frost to nip at your doorstep. Follow our list of ways to prep your Boston house for the Winter and you’ll be all set by the time temps drop and the snow starts to fall.

Get Your Roof a Proper Checkup

Make sure your roof is sturdy and waterproof. Heavy snow can create fractures, and melted snow can seep through damaged shingles and create water damage in your ceiling and attic. You can check out the state of your roof yourself, and while you’re up there be sure to clean off any leaves that have built up over time. Not into climbing up an unsteady ladder (us too!)? Better to call in a professional who has experience in roofing and knows exactly what a healthy roof infrastructure looks like. Check out Tempco Roofing Company or Arya Roofing for a quote for a roof inspection.

Pro Tip: get your roof checked out in October so that you’re covered when snow flurries hit.

Insulate Your Windows

Save money on winter heating costs with a quick and dirty DIY window insulation. How does window insulation help you save money? Windows that are properly sealed trap the hot air in and make you a more energy efficient household. Save some cash and hire a handyman for other items on your Winter prep checklist. There are several different ways to insulate your windows, and you can do all of them yourself!

The easiest trick? Make sure your windows are locked and the shades are down. We know it sounds like a no brainer, but locking the window creates the first seal between the sashes and the windowsill. You can also invest in heavy shades that create a thick barrier between the cold glass and the interior of your house.

It’s up to you which window insulation trick you go with. Some also use bubble wrap and either tape it or use a layer of water to stick the bubble wrap to the inside of the glass. Others use rubber sealants or foam or rope caulking strips, which you can buy at your local hardware store. Attach the strips to both ends of the window sash. Rather the insulation come from outside? Grab a storm window from the local hardware store and nail it to the outside of your windows. Inspect each of your windows for sturdy caulk, and fill in any gaps outside with a silicone sealant.

Make Sure Your Heating System is Up to Snuff

Call in an expert like ASD Air Solutions or Back Bay Mechanical to check in on your heating system. Have them make sure it’s energy efficient and safe to use, because you’ll have it on those chilly December nights as you read fireside. Make sure the furnace filter is all set to go and doesn’t need a replacement. Speaking of the fireplace, you should get your chimney swept and okayed for use so that you don’t end up with a house full a smoke, and are not vulnerable to an accidental house fire.

Clean Those Gutters!

Avoid water build up and ice dams in inefficient gutters. Clean out leaves, needles, and the occasional lost frisbee yourself, or call in reinforcements. Top Boston handyman services like Laccrocher Boston and KEP Construction Boston can give you a quote.  

Drain the Water Out of Outdoor Hoses and Pipes

No one wants a burst pipe. Avoid ice in your pipes and hoses by draining outdoor hoses and irrigation systems. Put away the hose until your tulip bed blooms in the spring and the kids play in the sprinklers on the lawn in the summer.

Looking to sell before Winter swings into full force? January actually ranked as the best time to sell a house in Boston in 2015.

Have any other great tips for prepping your Boston house? Let us know your favorites!

Alexa Collins is a Content Writer for HomeLight. HomeLight works with the top real estate agents across the nation.