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The coming drop in temperatures can easily raise your heating costs and wreak havoc in other ways within your home.

One of Wisconsin's top experts on home maintenance has many suggestions on things to do today before the sub-zero cold shows up this week.

"For people who forgot to do it, make sure you disconnect your hoses, and turn your hose valve off from inside the house," said 620WTMJ's "Mr. Fixit," Tom Feiza on "Wisconsin's Morning News."

"It's not too late to do that, so in the basement and turn that valve off, and go outside and open the valve up. Water can't build up in the system, and it can't freeze."

Other Freezing Spots

There are other places in the home that could freeze up and cause major problems.

Storm Team 4 Stories: • Snow Today, Bitter Cold on Way • Frigid Temps Could Cancel Schools • Watch for Frostbite, Hypothermia • Helping Home, Pets in Frigid Temps Audio: • "Mr. Fixit" Tom Feiza giving tips on how to get your home ready for the cold on 620WTMJ's "Wisconsin's Morning News" WTMJ Storm Team 4 Coverage: • Time Saver Traffic • Live Radar • Sign up for School Closing Text Alerts • National Weather Service • Check Your Flight • Milw Parking • Pothole Tracker • Share Photos and Video with YourStory

Feiza suggests putting a little wind on those areas of the house, and going underneath those parts of the house and shedding a little light under them.

"If you have an area that you know has frozen up in the past, open the cabinet doors and blow a little fan in there. Go down below in the basement and turn the light bulb in that area. The little bit of heat rises. It will make all the difference in the world. It will keep pipes from freezing."

Say you choose to fly south to avoid this incredible cold snap.

If so, keeping the water works from moving in your house might not be a bad move.

"If they're not around their house, make sure they turn their water off if they're not around for a few days."

Suggestions, and Warnings, on Windows

Home improvement stores also suggest weatherproofing your windows.

"Shrink wrap works pretty good," says Feiza.

"Another thing that works good that isn't talked about much is called removable caulk. 'Zip Strip' is a brand, and it actually comes in a caulk gun. It's totally clear. It can caulk your window shut, and in the springtime it comes right off."

But one thing Feiza warns about is condensation on windows.

"Water running off the windows and freezing and that kind of thing - it's a good thing to cover windows with window coverings to save energy, but that can also cause a lot of excess condensation. People can think about that, opening up those blinds, letting a little air at the window to warm it up. When you warm it up, you raise the dew point and temperature and get less condensation."

You can also install door sweeps for drafty doors, or buy a sealant to fill in holes and cracks.

That will cost around $50, but it could save you hundreds.

Pet Suggestions

Don't forget Fido when the temperatures drop.

Bring those pets indoors and make sure you clean any salt off their paws.

Some antifreeze and salt can kill pets.