Fall in the Front Range: Your Home Winter Prep Checklist

We love fall in the Front Range — the golden aspens, mountain views, and yes, those pumpkin spice lattes. But before we get too cozy under a blanket, it’s time for a quick reality check: winter’s coming. And in Colorado, that means snow, ice, and freezing nights that will test every corner of your home.

Each year, we hear from homeowners who meant to prep but didn’t quite get around to it. By the time they spot a roof leak or frozen pipe, the damage (and the bill) has already added up. That’s why we like to call this “prevention season.” A little time spent now can save you a lot later.

Here are five simple ways to get your home winter-ready:

1. Protect your faucets and hoses

The first hard freeze always sneaks up — usually when you’re out of town or busy with holiday plans. Before that happens, disconnect all outdoor hoses. When a hose is left attached, water gets trapped in the “freeze zone” of your faucet, and once it freezes, the pipe can crack. After disconnecting, add insulated faucet covers for an extra layer of protection.

2. Trim trees and check your roof

Snow and wind can turn weak branches into serious hazards. Trim any that hang over your roof, gutters, or cars. While you’re out there, do a quick roof check. Look for missing or curled shingles and have them repaired before winter storms hit. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to fix them now than to patch a leak in January.

3. Seal drafts and inspect insulation

Even small gaps around windows and doors can let warm air escape — and cold air sneak in. Seal those drafts to stay cozy and save on heating costs. Then pop into your attic to make sure insulation and vents are in good shape. In Colorado, “sideways snow” is real, and it can blow right through attic vents if they’re not sealed properly.

4. Get your furnace tuned up

We all know how fast the weather can change here. One night it’s crisp and cool, the next it’s below freezing. Don’t wait until that first cold snap to find out your furnace isn’t working. A professional tune-up keeps your system running efficiently and prevents those no-heat emergencies when every HVAC tech in town is already booked.

Need a trustworthy pro? We’ve got a few local HVAC techs we can recommend — the kind who won’t pressure you to replace your system just because it’s “getting old.”

5. Clean out your gutters

If your home is surrounded by mature trees or evergreens, your gutters are probably full of leaves and pine needles right now. Once snow and ice pile up, clogged gutters can cause overflows, ice dams, or even foundation problems. Take an afternoon to clear them out, or install gutter guards to make life easier for next year.

A weekend or two of prep now will save you money, stress, and frozen-night headaches later. We’ve flipped plenty of homes over the years, so we know how quickly small issues turn into big ones once the temperature drops.

If you’d like our list of trusted local vendors — HVAC techs, roofers, sprinkler specialists, and more — give us a call at (719) 437-7311 or email derekandmariana@artisangroupco.com