No matter where you live, seasonal changes in temperature and moisture levels will require special maintenance tasks. What amounts to a weekend’s worth of work and perhaps an investment in professional services.

“It is important to periodically monitor the overall condition of a home,” says John Ghent, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. “Simple wear and tear from weather and age occurs in every home. It is wise to fix any problems before they lead to extensive and costly repairs.” And more importantly, routine maintenance could mean ensuring your family’s safety.

“Having a professional inspection of your fuel-burning heating appliances is the first line of defense against the silent killer, carbon monoxide poisoning,” said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by burning fuel. The initial symptoms are flu-like, including headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause death. “Each year, CO poisoning from heating systems and water heaters kills about 150 people,” said Stratton. “Many of these tragedies could be prevented by having a professional check your heating system and water heater annually for CO leaks.”

Here’s a comprehensive list of the top chores to tackle on your home:
(Suggested by the Insurance Information Institute, the American Society of Home Inspectors, Homestore.com, HometimeProject.com, the National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the U.S. Homebuyer Education Center)

Maintain your gutters
Remove all debris so water can properly drain, which minimizes standing water and slows the freeze/thaw expansion process that occurs in cold weather. Clogged gutters can cause landscaping, lawn and shrubbery, walls, foundation, basement, crawl spaces and existing gutter system damage. Consider installing “gutter guards,” which are screens that prevent debris from entering the gutter and direct the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.

Maintain your steps and handrails
Repair broken stairs and banisters so nobody falls.

Inspect your roof
Be proactive and prevent emergency and expensive repairs. Things to look for include damaged, loose and missing shingles; gaps in the flashing where the roofing and siding meet vents and flues; and damaged mortar around the chimney (especially at the joints & caps). If you see any signs of damage, call a professional to repair the damage.

Inspect your home’s exterior walls
Look for possible weather-related damage, like cracks and loose or crumbling mortar. Wood trim and siding can suffer from deteriorating paint or become loose. Windowsills may be cracked, split or decayed.

Check your home’s insulation
Your attic should be 10 degrees warmer than outside air, otherwise too much heat escapes and causes frozen water to melt and refreeze which can result in a collapsed roof. Your basement and crawl spacers, because if they’re well insulated your pipes will be protected from freezing.

Maintain your pipes
Wrap your pipes with heating tape before winter and insulate unfinished rooms such as garages if they contain pipes. Check pipes for cracks and leaks and have any damages repaired immediately. The temperature in your house should be at least 65 degrees because inside the walls, where the pipes are located, it’s much colder.

Check your heating systems
Be sure to maintain your furnace, fireplace, boiler, water heater and wood-burning stove. Have your heating system serviced every year. Check smoke and fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and change your heating and air conditioning filters. Have your appliances inspected for gas leaks and adequate ventilation.

Know your plumbing
Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes freeze, the quicker you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing pipe bursts. Check weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors and replace or repair as needed. Caulking helps keep your house weather-tight, lowers your heating and cooling bills - and can also help keep insects and rodents out of your house. Also look for chipped or peeling paint around window frames and trim. Repair broken glass and loose or missing putty. When needed, use a modern glazing compound instead of putty for a waterproof seal.

Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns
Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants and can increase incidences of illnesses. Check all your faucets for leaks and repair any you find.

By setting aside a weekend now, you’ll be saving you and your home a lot of hassle later. Once your home passes your inspection, you and your family can relax and enjoy the coming season.