Winter in Central Massachusetts has a way of finding the weak spots in a house. A small draft becomes much more noticeable when temperatures drop. A clogged gutter can contribute to ice problems. A forgotten exterior faucet can become a frozen pipe. And discovering that your snowblower won't start is considerably less amusing when there's already eight inches of snow in the driveway.

A little preparation in the fall can help prevent some expensive winter surprises. Here are some things worth checking before the cold weather settles in.

Outside the House

Clean the Gutters and Check Downspouts

Once most of the leaves have fallen, clean leaves and debris from gutters and make sure downspouts are flowing properly. Water that can't drain properly can freeze, and ice buildup around the roofline and gutters can create problems during our freeze-and-thaw cycles. I use a screen over the downspout to catch maple seeds from falling in (or being hidden there by the squirrels!), but the screen needs frequent cleaning

While you're up there, look for loose gutters, damaged sections or downspouts that aren't directing water away from the foundation.

Take a Look at the Roof

You don't necessarily need to climb onto it. From the ground or your ladder, look for missing, damaged or curling shingles, damaged flashing or anything else that appears different from the surrounding roof. If something looks questionable, having it evaluated before snow arrives is generally easier than dealing with a leak in February.

Disconnect Garden Hoses and Protect Exterior Faucets

This is an easy one to forget. Disconnect and drain garden hoses before freezing temperatures arrive. If your home has shutoffs for exterior faucets, follow the appropriate winterization procedure for your plumbing system. And don't forget hoses tucked behind the garage, shed or side of the house that you haven't used since July.

Put Away or Secure Outdoor Items

Patio furniture, umbrellas, planters and lightweight decorations that spent the summer quietly sitting on the deck can become much less cooperative during a winter storm. Store what you can and secure what needs to remain outside. This is also a good time to clean and store gardening equipment.

Inside the House

Have Your Heating System Ready

Don't wait for the first truly cold night to discover that something isn't working properly. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your heating equipment and replace or clean filters as appropriate for your particular system.

If you use heating oil or propane, it's also worth checking your fuel level and making sure you understand your delivery arrangements before winter.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries or devices when needed according to manufacturer recommendations. Here are the Massachusetts regulations, but different towns may have more strict rules.

With heating systems, fireplaces and other fuel-burning equipment getting more use during the winter, working carbon monoxide alarms are especially important.

Find Your Main Water Shutoff

Do you know exactly where it is? If a pipe bursts, that's not the moment you want to begin searching the basement. Make sure everyone who needs to know can locate the main water shutoff and understands how to operate it.

Look for Drafts

Check around windows and exterior doors for noticeable drafts. Weatherstripping or caulking may help with some air leaks, depending on where they're occurring. Even small improvements can make rooms more comfortable during cold weather.

Prepare for Frozen Pipes

Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas can be particularly vulnerable during prolonged cold weather. Pay attention to plumbing near exterior walls, crawlspaces, garages and other colder portions of the home.

If your house has plumbing that's been prone to freezing in the past, don't assume this will be the year it decides to behave. Address the problem before the temperature plunges.

Don't Forget the Chimney and Fireplace

If you use a wood-burning fireplace or stove, make sure the chimney and equipment are maintained appropriately and ready for use. The same goes for pellet stoves and other supplemental heating equipment. Follow manufacturer recommendations and use qualified professionals when inspection, cleaning or servicing is needed.

And resist the temptation to treat the fireplace as an alternative disposal system for cardboard boxes, wrapping paper and whatever else accumulated over the holidays.

Get Ready for Snow Before It Snows

This category is less about maintaining the house and more about maintaining your sanity. Before the first storm:

• Make sure the snowblower starts and you have the appropriate fuel or charged batteries.
• Locate shovels and ice-removal supplies.
• Check exterior lighting around walkways and entrances.
• Make arrangements for plowing or snow removal if you use a service.
• Know where you'll put the snow, particularly if parking space is limited.

If you have a generator, follow the manufacturer's maintenance and operating instructions and make sure everyone understands how to use it safely. Never operate a portable generator inside a house, garage, basement or other enclosed or partially enclosed space.

Take a Walk Around the Property

One of the simplest winter preparations costs nothing. Walk around your house. Look up at trees and branches near the home and driveway. Look down at walkways, steps and railings. Check exterior lights. Look at the foundation. Notice anything loose, damaged or simply different from the last time you paid attention. You know your property better than anyone else. Sometimes the most useful maintenance checklist is simply slowing down long enough to notice what's changed.

A Little Work Now Can Prevent a Bigger Job Later

No checklist can prevent every winter home repair. Sometimes things break, storms cause damage, and New England weather does what New England weather does. But preparing before temperatures drop can reduce the likelihood that a small maintenance issue turns into a much larger winter problem. And once you've worked your way through the list, there's only one thing left to do:

Put the snow shovel somewhere you'll actually remember putting it.

Because somehow, every November, it manages to disappear. :)