This is the best! I do it all of fall.

Another way to make the house smell inviting (if you have the time and inclination: bake some cookies, an apple tart, or anything yummy and sweet. The house will smell like comfort food!

I love doing this. Another glorious smelling recipe is boiling the water with rosemary and lemon for a super fresh, herby, clean smell! (and its easier than actually mopping the floors!)

Why not use Apple Juice or Red Wine instead of plain water...
...that way the spices won't be wasted and you'll actually have something enjoyable and warm to drink?

I'm with bepsf. I've been meaning to do this for days but the heat is on too dang high and mulled wine becomes immediately less enticing upon entering the house.

How long does the scent last?

Apple cider works well for this, too - and I mix the spiced cider into cake batter later.

Apple juice instead of water with all the above... cinnamon stick, nutmeg, cloves etc. Yummy to nurse by the fire! Ohhh...

You can also do this on top of steam heat radiators (or wood stoves, of course).

I do this year round, switching out different herbs and spices depending on the season. In high summer, to get savory cooking smells out of the kitchen, I simmer water filled with fresh crushed mint and lemon peel, sometimes adding rose petals. In spring, a couple of drops of lavender essential oil and some fresh rosemary.