It’s that time of year to pull out the holiday décor from your attic, also making it a great time to do some yearly attic maintenance.

Here’s a checklist of to-dos:

Clear your vents: Make sure nothing is obstructing your vents; otherwise, your attic could become too cold in the winter (causing condensation and mildew), or too hot in the summer (causing you air conditioner to overwork).

Inspect your fan: Clean the blades and make sure they turn freely and easily.

Check for pests: Wasp nests are usually dormant in the winter and are easy to clear out. Also, check for insects like termites. Are there any openings in your attic that could let in rodents or bats?

Inspect your insulation: Has any of the insulation shifted, leaving an opening for heat to escape? Openings can also lead to the formation of ice dams, causing water damage inside your home.