Winter in Chaffee County is beautiful, and it's also hard on houses. Cold snaps, heavy snow and the occasional power outage have a way of finding every weak spot.
The good news is that most winter headaches are preventable. Here's a practical, prioritized list to work through before the deep cold settles in.
1. Keep the Heat Healthy
Your heating system is working harder than it will all year.
Replace furnace filters regularly through the season
Schedule a service visit if it's been more than a year
If you burn wood, have the chimney cleaned and inspected
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries
Carbon monoxide detectors matter most in winter, when homes are closed up and fuel-burning appliances run constantly.
2. Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly winter problems in the mountains.
Know where your main water shutoff is, and make sure everyone in the house does too
Check that heat tape on vulnerable pipes is plugged in and working
Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages and exterior walls
During extreme cold, open sink cabinets on exterior walls so warm air can reach the pipes
Never turn the heat off completely, even when you're away
3. Get Ready for Snow
A little planning now makes storm days much easier.
Line up snow removal before the first big storm, whether that's a plow service, a neighbor or your own shovel
Stock ice melt or sand for steps and walkways
Watch for ice dams along the eaves and heavy snow loads on decks and porch roofs
Keep exterior vents clear of snow, including furnace, water heater and dryer vents
That last one is easy to overlook. A blocked vent can cause equipment to shut down or create a safety issue.
4. Plan for Power Outages
Mountain storms can knock out power, sometimes for hours.
Keep flashlights, batteries and a charged power bank handy
Know how to heat at least one room without electricity if you can do so safely
If you use a generator, run it outdoors only and well away from windows and doors
Keep a few days of water and easy food on hand
5. If It's a Second Home
Homes that sit empty in winter need a little extra attention.
Set the heat to a low but safe temperature, never off
Arrange for someone to check on the house after storms and cold snaps
Consider smart thermostats or temperature and water-leak sensors that alert your phone
Ask a plumber whether shutting off and draining the water makes sense for your home
The Bottom Line
A few hours of preparation can save you from a very expensive winter surprise. Work through this list once, and your home will be in good shape for the months ahead.
If you're thinking about buying or selling in Salida or Chaffee County and want to talk through how a specific home handles winter, let's chat.