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Ask Renee | Homeownership · 4 min read

Your Colorado home’s winter checklist, in the order that matters

By Renee Ziegler · Colorado Legacy Home Team · October 12, 2026

Every fall, a few weeks after the first cold snap, my phone fills with the same calls. A sprinkler line has cracked. A furnace will not start. Water is backing up behind a gutter full of ice. Nearly all of it is preventable, and most of it comes down to timing.

Here is the list I use on my own home, in the order I tackle it.

Before the first hard freeze

Blow out the sprinkler system. This is the one that cannot wait. Water left in the lines freezes, expands and splits pipes, and the repair arrives in spring with a surprise bill. Book early, because the best crews fill their calendars by mid October.

Disconnect the garden hoses. A hose left attached traps water in the spigot, and even a frost free spigot can crack that way. Drain the hoses and store them in the garage.

Clean the gutters and downspouts. After the leaves fall, clear everything out and make sure downspouts carry water well away from the foundation. Clogged gutters are the leading cause of the ice dams we see here.

Before the snow settles in

Service the furnace. Have it inspected, cleaned and tested, and replace the filter. A furnace rarely fails on a mild afternoon. It fails on the coldest night of the year, when every technician in town is booked.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Colorado requires carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas, and winter is when furnaces and fireplaces run hardest. Fresh batteries take five minutes.

Look at the roof. Our hail season is hard on shingles. If a storm passed through this summer, have a roofer take a look before snow hides the damage. A small repair now prevents a leak in February.

Seal the gaps. Check weatherstripping on doors, the seal on the garage door, and caulk around windows. Your comfort and your utility bill will both improve.

Through the winter

Water your trees. This surprises people who are new to Colorado. Our winters are dry, and trees can suffer without moisture. On a mild day above freezing with no snow on the ground, give them a slow, deep watering about once a month.

Keep walks and drives clear. Many South Denver communities and HOAs expect sidewalks cleared within a set time after a storm. Line up a snow removal service now, especially if you travel.

Consider a radon test. Winter, with the windows closed, is an ideal time to test. Radon is common along the Front Range, and a simple test gives you peace of mind and a useful record if you sell.

If you plan to sell in the spring

A well maintained home shows it. Buyers and inspectors notice a serviced furnace, clean gutters and a sound roof. Keep your receipts in one folder. That record of care builds confidence and can make a real difference at the negotiating table.

You do not have to find these people yourself

Sprinkler crews, furnace technicians, roofers, gutter cleaners and snow removal services. I have a trusted list for every item here, all vetted and used on my own home. If you need a name, just ask Renee.

This checklist is general guidance. Please consult a licensed professional for repairs and system service.