Few experiences can be more nightmarish for homeowners than waking up in a cold house on a chilly winter night or discovering that frozen pipes have caused a leak. October's changing leaves, falling temperatures and pumpkin spice lattes are all signs that the time has arrived for homeowners to begin winterizing their properties with hopes of undercutting winter damage and insurance claims. The Insurance Information Institute says that $2.1 billion in insured losses in 2019 happened because of winter storms, and total winter-related homeowner damages, which included both insured and uninsured events, climbed to $7.4 million. Autumn is already underway, but some homeowners may need a reminder about the benefits of preparing the residence for cooler weather. Among those benefits are smoother running household systems, more manageable utility bills, and the opportunity to catch a potential home maintenance problem before it even begins. The slideshow above illustrates seven fall home maintenance steps that can provide homeowners with peace of mind as the seasons change. See also: |

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Elana Ashanti Jefferson

Elana Ashanti Jefferson serves as ALM's PropertyCasualty360 Group Chief Editor. She is a veteran journalist and communications professional. Reach her by sending an e-mail to [email protected].