Getting Your Denver Home Ready for Winter
Denver's average first freeze is October 7, and the first measurable snow usually lands around October 18, according to the National Weather Service. The average freeze date has already passed, so if your sprinklers haven't been blown out yet, do it this week. Here's the short list that keeps a Denver house from turning into a January repair bill.
None of this is hard. It just has to happen before the weather decides for you.
When does Denver usually get its first freeze and first snow?
On average, the first freeze arrives in early October and the first measurable snow about two weeks later. Averages hide a lot, though. Denver's earliest recorded first freeze was September 8, 1962, and the latest was November 15, 1944, per NWS records reported by KDVR.
The practical answer: plan as if winter starts mid-October, and treat any warm week after that as a bonus.
Outside: the things that break when they freeze
Sprinkler system. Get it blown out before a hard freeze. Water left in the lines expands, and the backflow preventer is usually the first thing to crack. Most Denver irrigation companies book up through October, so call now.
Hoses and spigots. Disconnect every hose. A hose left attached can trap water in the pipe behind the spigot, even on a "frost-free" faucet.
Gutters and downspouts. Clear them after the leaves drop. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, and ice dams lead to water inside your walls.
Snow tires and the car kit. If you use winter tires, a common guideline is to put them on once temperatures stay below about 45 degrees. Put a scraper, blanket and small shovel in each car.
Snow removal. Denver expects residential sidewalks cleared by the day after the snow stops, including the ADA ramp at your corner, per the city's rules as reported by Denver7. If you travel in winter, line up who shovels now. The worst time to find a shoveling service is during the storm.
Inside: heat, air and alarms
Furnace service. Have it checked before the first cold night, not after. A tune-up in October is easy to schedule. A no-heat call in December means waiting your turn.
Filters. Change the furnace filter now and set a reminder for every one to three months, depending on the filter and whether you have pets.
Humidity. Denver's air is dry, and winter heat makes it drier. If you have a whole-house humidifier, service it. If not, a couple of room units make a real difference for sleep and skin.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Test every one. CO alarms matter most in the months your furnace and fireplace run nonstop.
Who handles the house when you're traveling?
This is the question that causes the most winter damage. A furnace that quits while you're away can freeze pipes within a day or two in a cold snap. Before any winter trip:
Set the thermostat no lower than the mid-50s.
Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls.
Give someone local a key and the alarm code.
Ask that person to check the house, inside and out, every few days. That means looking at a working thermostat, not just walking past the front door.
A smart thermostat or water-leak sensor that sends alerts to your phone is cheap insurance. It still needs someone who can actually get there.
The October checklist
Book sprinkler blowout
Disconnect hoses and drain spigots
Schedule furnace service
Change furnace filter
Test smoke and CO alarms
Clean gutters after leaf drop
Arrange snow removal for travel weeks
Swap to snow tires or check tread
Stock ice melt that's safe for your concrete and pets
FAQ
When should I blow out my sprinklers in Denver?
Before the first hard freeze. Since the average first freeze is October 7, most homeowners aim for late September to mid-October.
How fast do I have to clear my sidewalk in Denver?
Homes are expected to clear sidewalks by the day after snow stops falling. Businesses have to clear theirs sooner.
Do I need snow tires in Denver?
In the city, many people get by with good all-season tires. If you drive to the mountains, Colorado's traction law can require snow tires, chains or all-wheel drive on I-70 during storms.
What temperature should I leave my house at in winter?
Keep it at least in the mid-50s while you're away so the pipes stay warm.
Related reading: Personal Assistant vs. House Manager: Which Support Does Your Home Need? · Do I Need a Personal Assistant? Here's How to Actually Tell
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One call to us can cover the sprinkler company, the furnace tech, the shoveling service and someone to check on the house while you travel. Let's get your Denver home ready.
