Preparing a Home for Winter

Winter is on its way, and that means a lot of impending work for Colorado homeowners. According to Weather Database, Denver receives nearly 81 inches of annual snowfall , with roughly 40 percent of that coming in the winter months. Cities up in the Rocky Mountains, such as Aspen and Vail, each see more than 100 inches of snow a year. Along with the snow are often freezing temperatures, heavy wind and slick ice, a dangerous combination for property that is unprepared.

Preparing a house for the winter can take time and effort, which means homeowners need to plan ahead. Both inside and outside of the home, there are measures to take to ensure no damage is done during the brutal winter months. Being proactive helps a homeowner be prepared when the winter weather arrives, and also helps lower energy costs and lengthen the lifespan of a home.

Handle the outdoors first
Start with the fixes outside of your home, since those will be impacted by the weather first. Home repair legend Bob Vila suggested replacing all the windows and doors  with storm-proof versions, to ensure the home is safe and secure when the harsh reality of winter arrives. Removing deck chairs and patio furniture is also recommended, because those objects could freeze or be airlifted in a harsh snowstorm.

Heating and air conditioning equipment should also be tended to. Replace air filters in the heater so that a home is being warmed properly. A clogged filter will reduce the energy efficiency and the air quality of a home.

While outside, don't forget to clean the gutters and check a home's plumbing. A burst pipe or frozen drain can cause tremendous damage in the winter , Gutters.com explained. Remove all the leaves and sticks that may be lying on top of the house so that they don't cause trouble down the road.

Keep energy costs down
The winter-proofing tasks inside a home are not as high a priority as those outdoors, but are equally important in keeping a house protected during the frigid months. Popular Mechanics stated a key is adjusting a house's thermostat , so that the property stays warm when people are inside, but isn't wasting energy when a home is vacant. For every degree the thermostat is lowered when a heater is on, a homeowner will save up to 3 percent on his or her heating bill.

Saving heat and energy can also be done by upgrading the insulation in a home, or caulking cracks in the walls. Leaks in a home can increase a home's energy bill  between 5 and 30 percent, the U.S. Department of Energy stated. These fixes are simple to make, once the problems have been located. Make sure to review every part of a home to ensure the warm air stays in and the cold air stays out.

Preparing a budget for these winter touch-ups can be tricky. Vectra Bank can help Colorado homeowners who need to plan for the winter months ahead.