Lowes winter season guide for homeowners:

Here's what they recommend:

Attic/crawlspace -- As a general rule, if a home has less than 11 to 12 inches of insulation in the attic or crawlspace, it could probably use more. Use batt or blown insulation for best results. Check with a Lowe's expert to determine the proper R-value of insulation for your home.

Hot water pipes -- Insulate hot water pipes with preformed foam pipe insulation sleeves if they pass through an unheated area or run under your home.

Fireplace -- Make sure the glass doors are fully closed when a fire is not burning to minimize heat loss. If you don't have glass doors, consider having them installed.

Draft-prone areas -- Zip up your home's winter coat by caulking, sealing and weatherstripping around all seams, cracks and openings. Pay special attention around windows and where siding or bricks and wood trim meet. Seal areas near electrical boxes and plumbing penetrations as well.

Ductwork -- Look for cracks and feel for air leaks in ductwork and use proper tape to seal them.

Improve indoor air quality

Furnace filters -- Change forced air heating system air filters at least twice-yearly. Make a clean break into winter with a fresh filter instead of using last year's used goods.

Air registers -- Ensure that they are in the "open" position so as not to create back-pressure on the heating/cooling and ducting system.

Ceiling fans -- To save energy during colder weather, activate the reverse setting on your ceiling fans to circulate hot air that rises to the ceiling and blow it back down.

Maintain your lawn and garden

Cool-season grasses -- Fertilize grasses such as ryegrass, fescue, and bluegrass in or before early November.

Bulbs -- Plant hardy bulbs in milder climates in the earlier part of November.

Vegetable and perennial beds -- Clean and prepare beds for next season's planting.

Leaves -- Rake and remove leaves left on the lawn to discourage disease.

Push mower, outdoor power equipment -- Perform annual maintenance before storing.

Lawn and garden equipment, patio furniture -- Store to avoid harsh winter elements.

Bird feeders -- Regularly clean and refill feeders for winter's feathered friends.