Do you winterize your home? According to Andy Lindus, co-owner of family-owned and operated Lindus Construction, it’s an essential task that protects your home—and wallet. After all, addressing minor issues early can save homeowners thousands of dollars down the road. You might spend extra time and money getting your home in order the first year—but after that, it’s more about inspecting and minor upkeep. Here, Lindus shares a few tasks to tackle each fall.

Inspect Your Roof

Look for loose shingles, holes or anything that could cause a leak, fixing as needed. Ensure your gutters are clean of leaves and debris, which can contribute to ice dams in freezing temps.

Protect Against Rodents

Next, check your siding and foundation. “Go around and seal up the exterior of your home,” Lindus says. “A mouse can get in your house with the opening of a size of a number two pencil.” He also recommends placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint essential oil in your attic as a nontoxic deterrent against rodents.

Check for Air Leaks

Lock your doors and windows and check for air movement around them. Weatherstrip or plastic-seal any gaps as needed. Look for ventilation or insulation issues in your attic as well, and check for air leaks coming from outlets.

“As it gets colder, the pressure in our houses changes,” Lindus says. “If you don’t have proper ventilation in your attic or you don’t have your top plate sealed—it can start to pull that cold air from your attic down your walls,” which leaks into your home. While sealing up the top plate and rim of your home is an investment, this one-time project leads to energy savings year-round.

Add Moisture Sensors

Are you a snowbird? Lindus recommends placing moisture sensors around your home to remotely detect leaks from pipes and bathroom fixtures, so you can immediately repair damage rather than discovering it when you get home. And don’t forget to disconnect your hose and turn off water to the outside spigot before leaving town for the season!