Winter is coming and your home is where you spend most of your time and it’s your greatest investment. As the temperature drops, we want to make sure you’re taking the steps to ensure your home stays warm and cozy all winter long. The first step for any Colorado homeowner is to make sure you have a great snow shovel, or two. Even better, a snow blower will help keep the winter blues away and your sidewalks clear.
Drain Your Sprinklers
Avoid burst pipes by making sure your sprinkler lines are properly blown out and free of water before the first freeze hits, which typically happens in October in Denver. This will ensure water doesn’t expand and crack the pipes. Compressed air is used to blow out the water, so it’s best to hire a sprinkler expert to handle the job.
Ready your Garden for Spring (Yes, Before Winter)
Make sure trees and landscaping are pruned to ensure safety in winter storms, specifically clearing branches that are growing over the house, garage, driveway or powerlines. Cut back your perennials and mulch flower beds which will help regulate changes in the soil temperature, creating an optimal environment for growth in the springtime.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Leaves and other debris can clog gutters in the fall. Avoid damaged gutters and limited drainage by having your gutters cleaned and free of such items when winter hits. To speed up the process, you can use a leaf blower, but using your hands and scooping out debris will help ensure the job is done right. If you prefer to call in a gutter cleaning service, this usually takes about two hours.
Furnace Inspection
Colorado winters result in freezing temperatures and having your furnace checked, your filter changed, and your thermostat inspected before the heat comes on will keep your home warm and cozy all winter long. Be sure that monthly filter changes are on your calendar to keep everything running in tip top shape.
Chimney Sweep
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have your chimney cleaned and repaired yearly by a certified chimney sweep. They’ll remove creosote build-up, patch any cracks, make sure clearances aren’t blocked and safeguard your home so you’ll have many enjoyable nights in front of the fire this winter. If you have a gas fireplace, or rarely use your wood-burning fireplace, be sure to have an inspection done every three years.