Home Winterization Checklist for Colorado

Home Winterization Check List

Winter officially starts in December each year. I’ve compiled a checklist to help guide you through the winterization process. Here is a printer friendly copy of the Home Winterization Check List.

PLUMBING
⌂ Learn about your plumbing system. Understand how to turn off the water, and where your pipes are so you are prepared in case of a plumbing emergency!
⌂ Turn off water supply to external hose bibs/exterior faucets.

EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE

Landscaping
⌂ Rake all debris away from foundation.
⌂ Trim trees & remove dead branches.
⌂ Get sprinkler system blown-out and winterized.
⌂ Disconnect garden hoses from exterior faucets and drain them.

Inspecting & Sealing
⌂ Seal entry points to keep critters out of your house.
⌂ Seal foundation cracks.
⌂ Inspect sill plates for dry rot and pest
infestation.
⌂ Secure crawl space entrances.
⌂ Inspect deck. If needed, apply a fresh coat of sealer.

Fireplace/Chimney
⌂ Inspect fire brick in fireplace. Repair any open mortar joints immediately.
⌂ Inspect chimney for any nests and/or debris.
⌂ Install chimney screen.

Roof
⌂ Check roof for damaged shingles and have them replaced.
⌂ Check flashing around chimneys & roof projections. These are often a source of leaks.
⌂ Clean out your gutters and downspouts.

Other
⌂ Shovel promptly, especially around garage door, so it closes completely and doesn’t warp.
⌂ Make any necessary repairs to handrails & steps to help avoid accidents once the inclement weather hits.
⌂ Cover patio furniture.
⌂ Drain gas from lawn mower and other outdoor tools.

HEATING/COOLING
Hot Water Heater
⌂ Wrap a hot water heater blanket around your hot water heater.
⌂ Insulate your water pipes.
⌂ Consider a timer on all-electric water heaters.

Fireplace/Wood Stoves
⌂ Get a chimney sweep for wood burning fireplaces and/or wood stoves.
⌂ Keep your fireplace flue damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.

Ceiling Fans
⌂ Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so the blades are going clockwise. This will push warm air down.

A/C
⌂ Clean your A/C condensing unit so it is free of dirt & debris.
⌂ Cover A/C condensing unit with a breathable, waterproof cover for extended life.

Furnace
⌂ Replace furnace filter.
⌂ Have furnace cleaned and serviced.
⌂ Check to make sure thermostat & pilot light are working.
⌂ Check for Carbon monoxide leaks.
⌂ Keep thermostat at 65 degrees or higher to prevent frozen pipes.

Ducts
⌂ Have ducts cleaned about every 5 years.

INSULATION
⌂ Inspect your insulation in your attic. If you can see the ceiling joists, you need more insulation.
⌂ Keep the attic well ventilated. This will help prevent icicles from forming on the edge of the roof.
⌂ Check for exposed water or drain piping in all uninsulated crawlspace and/or attic. Insulate with foam insulation.
⌂ Put an insulated cover on hose bibbs.

DETECTORS
⌂ Install and/or test smoke detectors.
⌂ Install and/or test Radon Detectors.
⌂ Install Carbon Monoxide detector near furnace/hot water heater.
⌂ Buy extra batteries for your detectors.
⌂ Replace any fire extinguishers older than 10 years.

WINDOWS/DOORS
⌂ Inspect for cracks around doors & windows.
⌂ Caulk windows.
⌂ Use weather-stripping around doors.
⌂ Replace cracked glass.
⌂ Cover window wells with plastic shields.
⌂ Switch out summer screens with storm windows.

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT
⌂ Prepare evacuation Plan.
⌂ Buy Indoor Candles & matches in case of a power outage.
⌂ Put an Emergency Contact list together and post it in an obvious location (include hospitals, utility companies, babysitters, etc).
⌂ Buy some extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies in case you get snowed in!
⌂ Store extra blankets and a first aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.