For many parts of the country, the summer of 2009 proved rather agreeable. Prolonged heat waves were an aberration rather than the norm while late summer seemed more like early fall than in years past.

Though the weather made summer enjoyable, there is still a belief, be it warranted or not, that an agreeable summer will lead to a harsh winter. Regardless of what the weather will bring, however, homeowners need to prepare their homes for winter before the temperatures dip. Readying a home for winter can be done with a few simple chores.

* Replace the furnace filters. Forced air heating systems can be especially taxing on filters. Come the following winter, if those old filters haven't been replaced, homeowners can expect heating costs to rise dramatically. But homeowners who purchase new filters before winter arrives can save money on the cost of filters, and the results of those new filters will show up on the bills once the colder weather arrives.

* Seal the windows. Inspect the windows throughout a house before winter arrives. This can be done easier in fall than in the end of summer because the colder air of fall will make drafts from leaky windows much more noticeable. Kits for sealing windows are inexpensive, and sealing windows before winter arrives can save substantial amounts of money on the monthly heating bill.

When sealing the windows or inspecting them for leaks, it's also a good idea to remove screens and replace them with storm windows. This can ensure cold air stays out and the home stays warm.

* Have the chimney thoroughly inspected. Homeowners with wood burning fireplaces should have their chimneys inspected by a professional chimney sweeper near the end of fall and before winter begins. Creosote, a dark brown oil used as a wood preservative, can buid up in a chimney and possibly lead to fires that can spread to the house. Chimney inspections can be free or relatively inexpensive and, if a home fire is avoided, are well worth the minimal cost.

* Bring in the plants. Some plants can thrive throughout the winter if watered properly, so be sure to bring those in when doing a pre-winter property inspection. This would also be a good time to bring in any patio furniture or childrens' toys. Also be sure to bring in the grill before the winter season starts. For homeowners who still grill well into winter, consider a thick cover that can protect it from harsh winter storms.

* Fix any cracks in the porch or sidewalk. Cracks in the front steps or sidewalk leading into the house can potentially prove hazardous once winter weather arrives. The season's first snowfall can cover up those cracks, but that doesn't mean they're not still there. Such cracks can result in trips or falls that, when coupled with winter ice, can potentially result in serious injury.

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