10 TIPS TO WINTERIZE YOUR NORTHERN COLORADO HOME

BY DENISE O’CONNOR

GREEN, LHC, MRP, SRES, AHWD

AMBASSADOR COLORADO REAL ESTATE

Living in Northern Colorado is Amazing! We get 4 elaborate seasons; Winter is no exception. It doesn’t matter if you’ve winterized your home before or if this is your first year in your new home, winter is coming and it’s a good idea to prepare your home for settling into the approaching colder months, here are a few tips to get you through to Spring, when the tulips will be blooming first.?

Prevent Roof Leaks

Cold weather brings snow, rain, ice and wind which can make it challenging for your home to withstand. Winterize your roof by inspecting it. Look for holes, leaks, broken shingles, clogged valleys, damaged flashing and/or deterioration.?

Clear out all leaves and debris from roof.

Cut back tree branches which hang over your house.?

Install snow guards and roof heat cables to prevent ice dams.

Check attic and ceilings for water leakage.

Invest in snow roof rake.

If you prefer a professional, hire a roof inspector

Clear Gutters

This is an important task in winterizing your home. This task is best to be performed after the leaves fall in autumn months. Once the gutter debris is removed, clean gutters allow melting snow to drain properly.?

Gutter guards are an option if you wan to avoid this annual task. They reduce the amount of debris to enter into the gutters.?

Keep Pipes from Freezing

A 1/8” wide crack can leak 10 gallons of water per hour into your home. Protect your pipes from bursting this winter due to being frozen, use tubular pipe wrap, rolled pipe wrap and insulation fittings.?Watch YouTube video for proper pipe installation.

Keep Cool Air Out

• Doors and Windows

Weather stripping or installing storm doors and windows will prevent cold air from entering your home or heat escaping it. This will reduce your utility bill.?

• Caulk

Use chalk around the windows and use foam outlet protectors to prevent cold air from entering your home.?

• Attic

Where the majority of heat loss occurs. Check to make sure you have enough insulation in the attic.?

• Blinds and Curtains

Improve insulation by trapping cold air coming from your windows. Curtain can be thermal lined or drapes will function as well. If your windows are not facing the south or west for direct sunlight, keep the curtains or drapes closed to keep the cold air out and the warm air within your home.?

Programmable Thermostat

During the winter months, the Department of Energy recommends keeping the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home. When you're away from home or sleeping, it's a good idea to lower the temperature a few more degrees. A programmable thermostat will allow you to customize your heating temperature whether you're home or not. It will your home comfortable and your utility bills lower. If you go on vacation, set your thermostat to 50-55 degrees.

Check Your Furnace and Water Heater

• Furnace

Replace your filter every 3 months. Call a professional HVAC company to do a maintenance check on furnace prior to winter months.

• Water heater

Flushing out the water in your heater will remove any sediment that’s gathered in the bottom of the tank. This will improve its efficiency and save you money on your utility bills. While you’re at it you may want wrap your water heater in a blanket to insulate it. This will retain heat; Hence, will cut your water heating bills down significantly. There are pre-cut blankets available at our local hardware store or home improvement center.

Clean Your Fireplace

Before you use your fireplace for the first time during winter months, have it professionally checked to make sure it’s in good shape. It can be dirty and filled with animal nests or creosote buildup(thick coating of sot/carbon). If debris is blocking your chimney and you use your fireplace, you risk letting dangerous gases(like carbon monoxide) enter your home, which could cause serious health problems.

Turn Ceiling Fans When You Turn Your Clocks

The rule of thumb here is when it’s winter-time, you want your ceiling fan spinning clockwise. This makes the blades cause the warm air that has naturally risen to your ceiling to be pushed downward, helping to keep your rooms warmer. Get up on a ladder and throw the switch on your ceiling fans to reverse the direction of the blades.?

• Plants, Water Lines and Hoses

Before the first cold snap, bring your plants and flowering tree inside.?

• Sprinklers

Make sure sprinklers are blown out and turn off water at the shut-off valve for each outdoor spigot. Disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots and drain.

Stock Up

Here is a list of staples to stock up on ahead of any big winter storm: flashlights, weather radio, emergency car kit, extra batteries, recharge or replace fire extinguishers, inspect fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, have an emergency supply of food and water, snow shovel, ice scraper, and ice melt.?

Once you’ve completed this checklist, you’re ready to wake up and enjoy our beautiful winter wonderland in the Northern Colorado cities and especially the Colorado Rocky Mountains, where mountain winter sports are plentiful!?