Just like that, we have gone from early fall to early winter.  Except for the northern and mountain states, snow in October is an unusual occurence in most areas.  Not to mention, it wasn't just a dusting.  So now that Mother Nature has made our heads spin, it's time to really prepare for the upcoming winter season.

Starting with your heating system, it's definitely time to give your HVAC guy a call for a furnace check.  Check your filters and vacuum our your radiators.

For gas stoves or fireplaces, read your product manual for the correct way to dust off the gas logs, clean the glass and check for loose wiring, or any other issues which may affect performance and safety.

Spending just a few minutes on maintenance will not only lengthen the life of your heater, but will give you peace of mind that it is ready and safe to use, as the temperatures continue to drop.