Disclosure: I am a 3M-sponsored blogger, and as part of my responsibilities, I get the opportunity to evaluate 3M products. All opinions are 100% my own. Any additional products used or recommended in the project were selected by me.

For most of the country, fall warns us that it is time to prep for the cold winter months that are coming.

I remember back home, growing up in Minnesota, preparing the house for the winter in attempt to keep the cold out and the heat in.

* Fill any gaps (outside) in the windows, sidings, and doors to reduce cold air getting in (and your hot air getting out).

* Place weatherstrip (inside) around the windows.

* Purchase a plastic film window insulator kits to help trap the cold. (I remember every fall we would put these on our windows with the blow dryer and then the urge to poke holes in them all winter long!)

* Block air flow from coming in under the doors. (As simple as a rolled up towel tucked under the door.)

* If your windows came with screens for the summer and glass panes for the winter, remember to put the glass panes on the windows.

* Replace your air filter with the
to help your system run efficiently. A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes the system work harder.

The
is effective at capturing 93% of large airborne particles such as dust, pollen and mold spores from the air passing through the filter. It also attracts and captures microscopic allergens like pet dander, smoke, household dust and microscopic particles that can carry bacteria and viruses.

You can find more information about Filtrete filters on their
,
, or
.

This was our winter ritual in Minnesota (and I am sure it still is today). What is your winter ritual to keep the cold out of the house?