Your Winter Home Checklist: 7 Quick To-Dos Before the Next Big Snow

Colorado winters can swing from sunshine to snowstorm overnight. A few easy to-dos now can save you from a frozen pipe (or a big repair bill) later.

Let's be honest, nobody WANTS to think about home maintenance during the holidays. But a little prep now goes a long way, whether you're staying put, selling in the spring, or just want to keep your home happy. Here's my quick winter checklist for Colorado Springs homeowners.

1. Blow out your sprinklers

If you haven't already, get your irrigation system winterized. Water left in the lines can freeze, crack pipes and turn into a soggy spring surprise.

2. Disconnect garden hoses

Unhook hoses and cover outdoor faucets. It takes two minutes and helps keep water from freezing back into the pipe inside your wall.

3. Service your furnace

Change the filter and schedule a tune-up if it's been a while. A quick check now beats a no-heat emergency call on the coldest night of the year.

4. Test for radon

Much of Colorado has elevated radon levels, and winter is a great time to test since windows stay closed. Test kits are inexpensive, and if levels are high, mitigation is a common fix.

5. Clean the gutters and check the roof

Clear leaves so melting snow can drain, and take a look for missing shingles or hail damage. Ice dams and leaks are much easier to prevent than repair.

6. Check your detectors

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and swap the batteries. With furnaces and fireplaces running, this one really matters.

7. Seal the drafts

Feel for cold air around doors and windows. New weatherstripping or a little caulk can make your home cozier and lower your heating bill.

Need a recommendation?

I keep a list of trusted local pros, from sprinkler guys to furnace techs. If you need a connection for any of these, just reach out. I'm always happy to help!

Dianne Schell, REALTOR® | eXp Realty
720-545-5326 | dianne.schell@exprealty.com

General information only. Always rely on licensed professionals for advice about your specific home. eXp Realty, LLC | Equal Housing Opportunity.