1. Check all window and door seals. Make sure there is no air flow, letting the cold air in and warm air escape. If there is a draft, the local hardware store sells seals for under $10 that you peel off and stick to the frame. A quick fix to save on your energy bill.
2. Make sure your fireplace is in working condition. Cleaned, free of debris, and wood ready to go. This will keep you from hustling around looking for cleaning tools and available wood in the bitter wind.
3. Protect your pipes. This is perhaps the most important and causes many headaches in winter months. Bursting pipes can leave flooding, water damage, hundreds of dollars and hours of frustrating. When temperatures are approaching freezing, set all your faucets to a slow drip to let the water continue to flow through and prevent the pipes from bursting.
If you have any pipes that are exposed (this would typically be near a water hose spicet), add a insulating layer to them to protect them from the weather. These can be found for under $10 at the local hardware.
Protect yourself from frustrations in the new year! Bundle up and enjoy the cold months. Sprint will be here before you know it.
