Although heating systems vary, industry standards recommend getting a checkup from a professional, usually on a yearly basis. It's still a good idea for homeowners to give the furnace a once-over every year. Make sure the furnace is turned off before starting, then check out air filters to see if they need replacing and vacuum any dust from the blower, fan blades, grills and air intakes. According to PG&E, a clean and well-maintained unit runs much more safely, efficiently and inexpensively.

Checking the chimney is another important weatherproofing task. If uncertain about the condition of a furnace or chimney flue, it's best to hire a chimney sweep to clear out creosote, the flammable, oily residue that accumulates when wood is burned. If left uncleaned, creosote could be reignited, causing a chimney fire. Remember to keep the damper closed in the fireplace except when there is a fire.

Look for air cracks around windows, doors, pipes, ducts and other openings. It is important to seal these leaks with flexible caulking or weather-stripping. Seams where siding meets windows and cracks around doors should also be checked for potential heat loss. Check out heat registers as well, since sometimes there can be gaps between the edge of the register and the wall or floor where it is mounted. Heating ducts that are not insulated can also be a source of heat loss and should be sealed to save energy and allow more heat to be delivered to the rooms in the house.

Check the attic to see if insulation needs to be added or replaced. This is the most significant area of heat loss in many homes, so it is also important to see that it has proper ventilation. Inadequate ventilation could lead to premature deterioration of the insulation materials. It might be necessary to check insulation in exterior walls, crawlspaces and along foundation walls, as well.

Sometimes the first rain is the wakeup call for gutter cleaning. Cleaning the leaves from all gutters and making sure the drainage system works is essential to prevent water from spilling over from the roof or possible flooding.

Finally, if homeowners didn't get around to checking the battery on the smoke detector when the time changed in October, now is the time to make sure all smoke detectors in the home are working properly. Checking smoke detectors is most important during the winter season because fireplaces, woodstoves and portable heaters are in use and could be a potential cause of a fire.

Taking the time to get ready for winter is a smart way to ensure safety, cut energy costs and keep the house in tiptop shape for added value when it comes time to sell a home. For more information about weatherizing the home, visit www.pge.com.

Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to jnewton@jnpr.com.