Living in Colorado

Here's a quick list to start prepping your house and garden to prepare for cold weather.

This is the time of  year to take care of those big home repair projects before shorter, cold and snowy days make it either difficult or the desire to do outdoor work. It's a great time to also boost energy efficiency throughout your home and prevent damage from winter storms with proper tree care.  Start your to-do list now while the season makes it possible, and you will be able to relax knowing that your home is ready for the winter.

Stock up on winter supplies.

• Check your snow shovels and snow blowers, and make sure they are in good working condition to handle the snow
• Stock up on pet- and plant-safe ice melt, especially for those north facing homes!
• Double check and stock up on your emergency kits for your car and home.

Prepare your exterior faucets 

• Before that freeze sets in, protect your pipes by shutting off water to exterior faucets.
• Drain any outside garden hoses and store them indoors.
• Drain and winterize your sprinkler system.

Check safety devices

• Who likes waking up to your smoke detectors going off at 3AM? Not me! So take the time to replace your batteries and test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Now would be a good time to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher, or replace if needed.
• Fall is  a good time to check your home for radon. Radon at high enough levels (according to the EPA, levels above 4 are considered unacceptable). If you have a radon mitigation system, have a contractor come by and check for maintenance.

Indoor Air Quality

• Have your duct work cleaned by a reputable company. These companies can also help with furnace cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning.
• Clear away dust and grime from radiators, baseboard heaters and heating grates. If your radiators have removable covers, take them off and vacuum beneath the cover before replacing.

Furnace & A/C Maintenance

• Hire a certified company to inspect and tune-up your furnace and make sure it is ready for the cold season. At the same time, they should also inspect your Air Conditioner

Seal Windows & Doors

• Seal and insulate any small holes or larger gaps with high quality caulking, or weather stripping.

Prepare Trees & Shrubs

• Hire an arborist to help spot any trees or shrubs that may be failing or could do with some preventative care.

For more tips on more items to do to your home before fall starts, click here!