Fall is a good time to perform preventive home maintenance. Being prepared for cold, rainy weather can save money. Most preventive maintenance tasks will improve comfort, lower utility costs and save energy.

One place to begin preparing your home for cold weather is on the roof. A roof leak can be the cause of significant damage to ceilings, walls, siding and flooring. Don't wait for winter rains to act to test for water leaks. By that time it is neither safe nor practical and damage will probably already have occurred. Instead, use a garden hose along with a helper to investigate potential problems now.

Begin at the low point of the roof and work your way up to the ridge. Stay within about a four-foot wide section at a time. The helper should be in the attic with a flashlight looking for uninvited water. Pay attention to problem areas such as metal flashing around chimneys and wall-to-roof connections, valleys and plumbing vents. Cracked, split and damaged or missing shingles should be replaced. If you dislike heights, use a pair of binoculars to make an inspection from the ground.

If your home doesn't have rain gutters and downspouts, install them. If it does, make sure that they are clean and leak-free. Use a gutter scoop to remove debris that has become gutter mulch. If you have weeds growing in your gutters, you need to clean them. Once the majority of the debris has been removed, flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose with a jet spray nozzle. A plumber's snake can be used to clear an obstruction in a downspout.

Having clean gutters and downspouts is not enough. The water captured by these devices frequently is discharged at the base of the foundation. This can result in problems that range from a damp and musty crawl space to a leaking or flooded basement. Downspout water should be diverted at least three feet away from the foundation. All downspouts should drain into solid underground drainage pipes that discharge into a municipal storm drain or other collection system. Ground surrounding the foundation should be graded to carry water away from the foundation.

Because the rate of house fires increases in the winter, you should be sure that the fireplace is in tiptop shape condition. Start by sealing the chimney brick and mortar. This will prevent the absorption of water, which can turn mortar to powder after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Without protection, rain, snow, animals and birds can make their way into the chimney. A combination chimney cap/spark-arrester will prevent unwanted entry and prevent ashes and flying embers from causing a roof fire. Don't burn a fire in your fireplace until you have had it checked out by a qualified technician. Cracked or missing bricks, a damaged flu pipe, deteriorating mortar and a buildup of creosote are signs of an accident waiting to happen. Use refractory (heat-resistant) mortar to repair cracks in the firebox.

An uninsulated attic or one that is poorly insulated is one of the greatest sources of energy loss in a home. A well-insulated attic has benefits. It can improve personal comfort, lower your utility bill and prevent ice dams from occurring on your roof. If attic insulation is compacted, it sometimes is best to remove it and start from scratch. When installing new insulation, be careful not to block the eave vents. The free flow of air will keep the underside of the roof cool, the key to preventing ice dams.

Look for cracked window glass and broken seals on storm windows. Most handy homeowners can do single-pane window replacement, whereas insulated panels almost always require a professional. Be sure to check window warranties. Some manufacturers offer generous repair/replacement programs for failed seals. Your storm-window manufacturer or installing dealer should be able to help with material and/or advise on how to solve a failed seal.

Rotten wood will only get worse during winter. Scrape, sand, patch and prime to keep siding, windows, doors, thresholds and trim protected. A thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of paint can be a spring project.

Eliminate draft-producing gaps around doors by adding or adjusting weather-stripping. Don't forget that most exterior doors are equipped with an adjustable door bottom with a vinyl strip. The door bottom might need to be adjusted or the vinyl strip replaced for an airtight seal. Use high-quality caulk to repair cracks in concrete and asphalt. Make sure that the cracks are clean and dry before making repairs. If yours is a very cold climate, be sure to shut off and drain outdoor faucets or insulate them. And clear storm drains.

Basement pipes exposed to the cold can freeze and burst. Insulating them with a prefabricated neoprene pipe wrap and some duct tape can prevent this. The pipe wrap can be purchased in various widths to fit any pipe.

The home heating system should be inspected for safety and serviced to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency. Most utility companies will make a no-charge safety inspection. However, consider enlisting a service professional who will clean, lubricate and make necessary adjustments.