Denver Homes Online

Winter months can be hard to your home.  Freezing temperatures can damage outside pipes, siding, decks, and gutters.  Snow and ice can make it difficult to make repairs, and could cause even the smallest problem to snowball into a significant expense.  By acting on many of these tips, you can safeguard your home and reduce costs in the long run.  Prepare for winter, now.

Outdoor Preparations

• Drain gas from lawn mowers.
• Drain and store water hoses.
• Shut off in-ground sprinkler systems and have water blown from pipes to avoid freezing.
• Add weather stripping and sealant to doors and windows as necessary. 
• Many sealants work best when applied in moderate temperatures, so timing is important.
• Seal driveway and sidewalk cracks to prevent snow and ice damage.
• Inspect gutters and roof.  Remove leaves and flush downspouts.
• Touch up paint or stain on wood surfaces.  Caulk openings as necessary.
• Contact an expert about the best time to trim trees and shrubs.  Usually during winter months.
• Prepare winter tools, snow shovels and blowers.  Test, clean, repair.

Indoor Preparations

• Have your furnace inspected before it gets too cold.  This will save you from the rush.
• Replace the furnace filter.
• Check insultation levels.  Add where necessary.
• Seal openings around doors, windows, and exposed pipes.
• Use insulating drapes, curtains or blinds.
• Change screens on storm doors.
• Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and change batteries.
• Have the fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned.

Other Tips

• Schedule an energy audit from the electric ultility, to find ways to save money.
• Assemble an emergency kit with candles, matches, and new batteries for flashlights. 
• Store some non-perishable food in case of an emergency.

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