As a homeowner, a change of season brings a lot of decorating fun - but it also brings more important preparations that a lot of homeowners overlook. Consider this article everything you need to know before your house transitions from hot summer days to cool fall nights...and eventually freezing temperatures.

1. Clean (or replace) your gutters.

You're so used to your gutters working properly that you forget they could use a little TLC. If they're clogged, you can end up with a flooded interior and damaged exterior. So clean them, or hire someone to do it for you. Hiring someone can also give you insight into if they need replacement.

2. Check for drafts.

Heat loss through windows is responsible for 25-30 percent of heating energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But it doesn't have to be that way, because weatherstripping is simple and probably the most cost-effective way to keep heating costs down.

Pro tip: To check if you have a draft issue, close a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, you need to update your weatherstripping.

3. Drain your outdoor faucets.

Drain and disconnect all garden hoses from outside spigots to prevent any water freezing. Not doing this can result in pipes bursting and a potentially huge amount of water damage. It’s a really easy thing to prevent, so make sure you turn off all your outdoor water!

4. Bring your outdoor furniture in.

Your outdoor furniture is still furniture. It cost you money and time to set that outdoor space up, so if you want to get another summer season out of it you should store it in a garage or shed. If you don't have anywhere to store the items, you should cover it in a waterproof furniture cover.

5. Fix any cracks in your driveway.

This job can seem tedious, but when water gets into cracks it freezes, expands, and can make the crack even bigger. Enough small cracks can turn into big cracks, and eventually the concrete can crumble. Use some concrete crack sealer to fill it up and be done with it.

6. Change your filters.

If your filters are clogged, it's harder to keep your home at the temperature you want it to be which will increase your heating bills. Clean these filters monthly, not just before the fall. FYI: Disposable filters can be vacuumed one time before you replace it, and foam filters can just be vacuumed and not replaced.

7. Fertilize your lawn.

You know what they say: The best offense is a good defense. If you want to keep your lawn looking great in the spring and summer, you need to prep it for the fall and winter. Roots are still active when the grass isn't growing, so applying fertilizer will prevent winter damage. Doing this will also help your lawn turn green faster in the spring.

8. Test winter equipment.

Check it all now, before you’re snowed in and realizing your snowblower doesn’t work, and make your life easier later.

9. Change your batteries.

Once a year you should be checking to make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices are working. Since you're already testing everything else out, you might as well add this on.