The winter season is right around the corner, so it's time to prepare for shorter days and colder weather. While many people dread this time of year, it can provide a great opportunity to stay in and enjoy the warmth and comfort of home. To create your own cozy winter retreat, prepare your home with these easy maintenance steps and decorating ideas.

Inspect Your Heating System

Before the cold weather sets in, you should make sure your furnace is prepared. Most HVAC companies are happy to send a technician to inspect and make sure your heating system is working safely and efficiently. Actions that may need to be taken include:

• Replacing your disposable filters 

• Checking the intake and vent pipes for obstructions

• Testing the igniter switch

• Brushing and vacuuming the air exchanger

• Lubricating and cleaning the motor and bearings

There are also simple tasks you can perform yourself, such as setting the thermostat to heat and making sure none of your vents are covered or closed.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to turn on the heat before you rise in the morning and turn it down when you are away. By better matching your system's heating output to your demands, you optimize efficiency and save money.

If you are willing to invest a bit more, a smart thermostat is even better. It can be programmed like a more basic model, but it goes one step further. By using sensors to detect your household's activity patterns, a smart thermostat can actually learn and adjust the heat accordingly. You can also use your phone to change the settings while you are at work or on vacation.

Replace Caulk And Weather Stripping

To save on heating costs, make sure your house is weathertight. Check for air leaks around windows and doors and replace any caulk or weather-stripping that is no longer in top condition. If you find any leaks, go find the perfect caulk for all surfaces and re-seal it.

Consider Purchasing a Generator

To prepare for the unexpected, consider purchasing a backup generator. In the event of a power outage or extended blackout, a generator allows for the continued use of your home's major systems and appliances, ensuring that you and your family are not left out in the cold!

Prepare Your Fireplace

If your home is blessed with a fireplace, you have a great option for adding warmth and ambiance to your room. There is nothing as cozy as enjoying the glow of a roaring fire on a cold night.

To prepare for the season, hire a chimney sweep to perform a safety inspection of your chimney and remove any soot and debris. You should also stock up on fire supplies such as fire starter and fire logs. Logs of dry, dense wood can work well as fuel, but if you prefer a more eco-friendly option, an enviro-log may be a better choice. Made completely from recycled waxed cardboard, these logs emit less carbon monoxide, creosote and greenhouse gases.

Once you have the basics covered, you can add a couple of new decorative touches. Consider purchasing a new set of fireplace tools or a fresh fireplace screen to create a more inviting space.

Create a Cozy Nook

Drinking a warm cup of tea while reading a favorite book is a wonderful wintertime activity. To make a great experience even better, find an out-of-the-way spot in your home to turn into a charming little reading nook.

Make sure it's well-stocked with a cozy chair, a throw blanket and plenty of light. To make it even more idyllic, add a small side table with a candle and a stack of books or magazines. If your new nook doesn't have the toasty warmth you're after, consider using a portable electric heater to remove the chill.

Hang Twinkling Lights

Twinkling lights during the winter can give the evenings a special, magical feel. Here are some creative ways to integrate them into your decor:

• Put string lights into empty glass vases  

• Create a pattern of twinkling lights on the wall

• Create a lit canopy over your bed

• Add a few strands to your fireplace mantle

• Wrap the lights around your bed frame

• Create soft light by placing some string lights inside a paper lantern

• Hang twinkling lights on the leaves of a large house plant
  
  

Add Warmth to Your Living Room

For those chilly evenings spent huddled around the television or fireplace, make sure there are enough throw blankets to go around. Choose a beautiful throw to hang over the back of the sofa and keep additional blankets in a nearby basket or trunk.

Create an Outdoor Spot

Set up a fire pit if you want to create a cozy winter oasis in your yard. It provides the perfect outdoor space for connecting with friends and family, making s'mores and creating lifelong memories.

When deciding where to place the fire pit, keep in mind that it needs to be at least 10 feet away from buildings and trees. Add a gravel surround to give it a more finished look, and arrange patio chairs at a safe distance around the perimeter. The result is a warm, welcoming space that is perfect for chilly evenings.

There are so many ways to create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home. Being prepared for cold weather is the first step, but don't stop there. Add some special touches and additions around your home to create the winter oasis of your dreams.

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