Indianapolis has some strange weather. One day it will snow and the next it will be 75 degrees and sunny. One thing is for certain, though: winter temperatures will be frigid. Even if there's no snow on the ground, chances are it'll be below freezing most of the time. In that kind of weather, your home--and your wallet--could be at risk. Plumbing, especially, can be a problem. Many Indianapolis plumbers (www.angieslist.com) have emergency numbers, but employing their services for preventative measures is more cost-effective and can help you avert disaster. Likewise, having an HVAC expert tend to your system, making sure both your heating and air conditioning systems are prepared for cold weather will save money and help prevent a crisis. Having a professional reinsulate your home and replace inefficient doors and windows will make your home better able to retain heat in the winter as well as keeping it cooler in the summer.

Take Care of Your Plumbing

Having your pipes burst in the middle of the night is a disaster. Not only do you risk water damage if you don't discover the leak quickly, you'll have to call an emergency plumbing service to repair your pipes, which can involve some hefty fees. Instead, have a plumber come out to inspect your pipes before winter, noting and repairing any potential problem areas. See if your plumber will wrap your pipes in insulation or, if that's not a service they offer, do it yourself. This will help prevent frozen pipes and reduce the amount of heat lost through your pipes, keeping your showers warmer, longer.

HVAC Maintenance

Before winter sets in, have an HVAC technician come out and inspect your furnace. Performing maintenance is often less time-consuming and expensive than repairing a broken heating system. Have the technician check out your air conditioning, too, turning off and draining external water lines so they won't freeze and burst in the cold. Have a programmable thermostat installed, too. By setting your HVAC system to maintain comfortable temperatures only when you will be home, you can save money on heating and cooling. Just make sure you keep the minimum temperature above 50 degrees to prevent frozen pipes.

Better Insulation

Having a professional upgrade the insulation in your home will help save energy both in winter and summer. Consider replacing some or all of your insulation with blow in insulation, which can provide more efficient insulation and, because it isn't a fixed shape, fills crevices, cracks and corners, reducing leaks. Also, if you notice cold drafts coming from your windows and doors, have them replaced with better sealing, more efficient models. Keeping your home insulated and free from leaks will help you save money year-round and keep your home feeling pleasant.

If you live in Indianapolis or most other places in the Midwest, you probably have to deal with erratic weather that often features frigid winters and sweltering summers. By employing reputable professionals to inspect and provide maintenance for your plumbing, HVAC and insulation, you can not only save money and be more comfortable in the winter, you can also get a leg up on preparing for summer by keeping your home running efficiently.