By Maura Stevens

As winter approaches homeowners should make it a priority to winterize their home.  We chatted with home inspector, Scott Biller, to identify 4 things homeowners should do to get their house ready for winter.

1.  Have a technician come out and service your HVAC system prior to turning it on for the season.
2.  Replace the filter in your HVAC system and change out the water panel in your humidifier on an annual basis before starting the system for the winter season.
3.  To prevent pipes from freezing turn off and drain the external hose bib.  This is a 2 step process.  First, turn off the shut off for the external hose bib located inside the house.  Go outside to the hose bib.  Remove the hose if still connected to the hose bib and store away for winter.  Turn the tap on to allow the water to drain the hose bib and confirm water has been shut off.
4.  Replace batteries on your smoke carbon monoxide detectors.