Today is Blog Action Day and the theme is global warming. Perhaps I wrote a “Winterize Your Home” post in the past, but since I have no memory, I thought it would be fitting to share my tips.

It’s only October, but it feels like winter. Especially since we didn’t have much of a summer this year. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the cold weather. It will keep you warm and save you (or your landlord) money.

1. Take the friggin air conditioners out of the windows already! You folks are like those people who leave their Christmas decorations up until Easter. The window units create a draft.

2. Any other drafts? Well, what are you waiting for? Insulate! You can rent equipment to blow insulation into your walls and attic. Seal around window and molding gaps with Great Stuff or fiberglass. Just do it. It’s not a big deal. Totally a DIY job.

3. The plumbing! Turn off outdoor hoses and insulate cold basement pipes. Trust me, I know from experience. They will freeze and the pipes will burst. It’s not pretty. If you have a weekend place, turn off the water when you’re not there.

4. Check your boiler. Admittedly, I never do this. And admittedly, I’ve been stuck without heat for a day or two in the middle of winter.

5. Clean your gutters. I’ll let you wait until autumn is over for this one. But do it before the big freeze!

6. Stock up on eco-friendly salt. How many times have I run out of my pet safe salt only to run to the bodega and buy that toxic crap? Lots. Not this year. Ok, maybe just once.

7. Do you have storm windows? Granted, there may be a couple of sunny days left in store, but you can start getting them ready.

8. Program your thermostat. No need to have the heat at full blast when nobody is home. If you don’t have a 5-7 day programmable thermostat, this is the year to get one.