For those of you who waited a little too long to button up your house for winter last year, consider this a public service announcement. Start by replacing furnace filters so your heating system can operate more easily. Check to make sure all chimneys are clear; have them inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep, if necessary. If you have a basement, be sure the sump pump is in good working order. And check for roof leaks with a garden hose before heavy rains and nasty weather set in. Clean out all gutters and downspouts. Cover any exposed water pipes with neoprene wrap, and, finally, don't wait for the first cold day to see if the furnace is working; fire it up now and you'll know it'll fire up later. Put up storm windows. Also, check to see if you need to do some caulking. Remember, when the frost is on the pumpkin, it's time for weatherizing. And that's the On The House tip for today.