With temperatures starting to fall, now is the time for homeowners to start planning winterization on their homes. There’s a long list of items to tend to, so it’s good to start planning early.

Among many other tasks, it’s vital to inspect the roof of a home. Damaged or loose shingles can let in water and ice during the winter, which can create interior damage. Sweeping a chimney can help clean out the soot and possible blockages or creosote build-up to reduce the risk of a chimney fire and can improve the efficiency of your fireplace.

Another task homeowners may forget is changing the direction of their ceiling fans. In the colder months, the fan should be moving the warm air down, which means having the blades turn clockwise.

Pre-winter is also the best time to check all smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, as well as schedule HVAC maintenance to ensure that the house is ready to take on the cold months.

And that's just the top of the list! Use the Better Business Bu’s tips to get a home ready for winter:

• Clean those gutters. A build-up of leaves and other debris can cause your gutters and downspouts to not drain properly. Improper draining can make water spill over your gutters which can lead to foundation/basement damage. In the winter, ice dams can form that can let snow melt underneath your shingles.

• Check your window and doors for air leakage. Adding caulk and weather stripping helps prevent leakage of cold air into your home as well as spiders and insects. Also check where pipes and wires enter your home.

• Inspect your driveway. The frequent freezing and thawing conditions in many areas, along with tree roots and ground shifting, can cause driveways to develop areas of needed repair. Fall is a great time to fill cracks and sealcoat to prevent wintertime water/ice damage.

• Tend to the outside water supply. Cover your outside water spigot(s). Spigot covers help keep the exterior pipes from freezing and are reasonably priced at your local hardware store. Empty hoses of any water and move them indoors.

• Check out any professionals you hire. Visit BBB.org to check the trustworthiness of a business. Do a general online search for the business to see what kind of reviews and other information may be available.

• Organize your garage. You will probably use your garage a lot more in the colder months. Get rid of trash and clutter and make sure your snow shovel and other winter-use items are easily accessible. Fill/repair any cracks or holes you see to prevent bugs and rodents from entering that will be seeking refuge from the cold.

For more tips from BBB, visit BBB.org. And if you spot a scam, whether you've lost money or not, report it to BBB’s Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your story can help other consumers avoid similar scams.

Marjorie Stephens is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit www.bbb.org.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Start now to winterize your home