The changing of the weather is a good reminder to prepare for the upcoming cold snaps of winter. Before Jack Frost pays a visit to your home, take the time now to winterize around your home. Here are a few tips to jump start this fall project:

• Set your timers to water less frequently in the winter months or turn it off completely. Typically during wet weather you can significantly reduce your watering and let nature water for you.
• Install a rain sensor on your automatic timer. On those days when it is raining, the sensor will prevent the sprinklers from turning on and therefore, avoid watering in the rain.
• Insulate all exposed piping around the house, in the garage and in the yard, especially where a water pipe is subject to freezing. Pipe insulation materials can be purchased from most local hardware stores.
• Drain the water from the garden hose and store it in your garage or shed. This prevents the hose from cracking or splitting caused by freezing weather.
• If you have solar heating for your pool, drain the lines that circulate the pool water in your solar heater.
• Cover your water heater with a hot water heater blanket. Wrapping your hot water heater will help retain heat and save on your energy bill. Hot water heater blankets are available at most local hardware stores.