How to Prepare Your Denver Home for Winter: The Ultimate Denver Homeowner Checklist

Denver winters are beautiful—but they can also be brutal on your home. Between freezing temps, snowstorms, and dry air, your property needs a little extra love to stay efficient, safe, and protected. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the Mile High City, this winter-ready checklist will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home cozy all season long.

Here’s everything homeowners should tackle before the cold hits.

1. Service Your Furnace + Replace Filters

Denver’s air gets extremely dry in winter, so your furnace works overtime.

Do this:

• Have an HVAC tech inspect, clean, and tune up your furnace

• Replace your air filter every 30–60 days

• Check your humidifier pad if you have one

• Clean vents and register covers
  
  

Why it matters: A dirty or stressed furnace equals higher energy bills—and higher breakdown risk during the first deep freeze.

2. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive winter emergencies—and they happen fast in Denver’s sudden cold snaps.

Do this:

• Disconnect outdoor hoses

• Shut off and drain sprinkler systems

• Insulate exposed pipes (garages, crawl spaces, basements)

• Leave cabinets open during extreme cold

• Let faucets drip overnight during single-digit temps
  
  

Local tip: Homes in neighborhoods like Wash Park, Congress Park, and Baker (older builds) are more prone to pipe issues.

3. Check Your Roof + Gutters (Before the First Snow)

Snow loads and ice dams are real issues here.

Do this:

• Clear out gutters + downspouts

• Check for missing shingles or debris

• Ensure water flows away from the foundation

• Add gutter guards if you’re in a tree-heavy neighborhood
  
  

Local tip: Hilltop, Mayfair, and Central Park homes often get leaf buildup—clean early to prevent ice dams.

4. Seal Windows + Doors to Keep the Warmth In

Denver’s winter winds can find any gap.

Do this:

• Apply fresh weatherstripping

• Reseal window cracks

• Install door sweeps

• Consider thermal curtains
  
  

Bonus: This can save 10–20% on winter energy bills.

5. Test Safety Devices: CO Detectors & Smoke Alarms

CO poisoning peaks in winter due to furnace use and closed-up homes.

Do this:

• Test all detectors

• Replace batteries

• Install detectors on every level
  
  

Important for Denver: Many older homes lack proper CO coverage, especially in basements with older furnaces.

6. Prep Your Fireplace (Gas or Wood-Burning)

Fireplaces get heavy use in Denver winters.

If gas:

• Check for proper ignition
  Look for soot buildup

• Have connections inspected
  
  

If wood-burning:

• Clean the chimney
  Stock up on seasoned wood

• Install a spark arrestor
  
  

7. Winterize the Exterior: Walkways, Porches & Driveways

You want your exterior safe and protected during snow + ice.

Do this:

• Stock up on pet-safe ice melt

• Check for cracks in concrete

• Add mats to entryways

• Seal decks if needed
  
  

Local tip: North-facing homes (like many in Central Park, Green Valley Ranch, and Golden Triangle) stay icy longer—prep accordingly.

8. Prepare for Surprise Snowstorms (Denver’s Specialty)

Because: welcome to Colorado.

Have ready:

• Snow shovel

• De-icer

• Car emergency kit

• Backup blankets

• Battery-powered lanterns
  
  

Snowfall can hit suddenly—even in October or April—so stay prepared.

9. Clean Dryer Vents (Fire Safety!)

This step is often forgotten but extremely important.

• Hire a vent cleaning service

• Clean inside filters as well

• Reduce fire risk significantly
  
  

10. Bonus: Create a Winter Emergency Binder

Include:

• Utility shut-off instructions

• Furnace service contacts

• Home warranty info

• Insurance details

• Neighborhood resources
  
  

This is a great seller feature if you list in winter.

And that’s your complete Denver winter prep checklist! A little maintenance now saves you a lot of money later. If you’re thinking about selling this winter, or want help getting your home buyer-ready, I’d love to help. Stay warm, Denver!