Winter is the season of snowmen, Christmas, and family fun, but is also the season of ice, cold, and winter-related disasters.

Because no one wants to spend their holidays dealing with fallen trees, drafts, and ice dams, it is important that you take preventative measures to prepare your home for the winter.

Here are 5 home maintenance tips for the season:

1. Check Your Heating System

Checking your heating system before the cold settles in will save energy and prevent it from breaking down when you need it the most. Have a licensed contractor come by and take a look. If you own a furnace, clean it and replace the filters. Dirty filters can reduce the air flow and will make your furnace less efficient. They are also a fire hazard.

2. Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams are destructive to your house's roof, ceilings, and walls. They cause leaks and permanent damage. The debris in gutters will cause water to back up and form ice dams. Seal air leaks where heat can escape into your attic. This might be through vent pipes, chimneys, or light fixtures.

3. Trim Your Trees

Branches or even entire trees can fall under the weight of the snow and cause real damage to your house and yard. Trim your trees and remove dead branches that might fall. During the winter, brush the snow off branches near the house with a broom after each snowfall. 

4. Insulate Pipes

Frozen pipes are costly to repair and cause water damage to your home. To keep pipes safe during the cold season, insulate exposed pipes near windows and doors and in the garage. Keep the heat at 55° F or higher, so the water pipes stay warm. Also, check your water pipes for leaks, and fix them immediately. 

5. Seal Your House

If cold air is getting in and hot air is getting out, then your heating system will have to work harder to keep your house's interior warm. Place draft guards under doors and seal any cracks in walls or windows. Also, check the air vents to ensure no air is leaking there.  

Take the time to get your home ready for the winter for a safe season. A few preparations can prevent hefty repair costs and will keep your home warm during the cold days.