Beyond the Pipes: 3 Critical Interior Checks to Winter-Proof Your Front Range Home
- Jennifer Langhals
- Dec 11, 2025
- 2 min read
By Jen Langhals, Broker Associate | LPT Realty
Most Colorado homeowners know to drain their sprinklers and clear their gutters before the first snow. But once the deep, sustained cold of December arrives, it’s time to shift your focus to the interior systems and safety measures that protect your family and your home’s value all season long.
This focused checklist covers three essential steps to winter proof your front range home and keep your energy bills manageable.
1. Test and Protect Against the Silent Killer (Carbon Monoxide)
With furnaces, fireplaces, and gas appliances running full-time, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure is higher in winter. CO is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly.
Test Your Alarms: Test all smoke and CO detectors at least once a month, especially in the winter. Replace batteries immediately if the low-battery signal sounds.
Clear Vents: Check that vents for your dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow or debris buildup both during and after storms.
Know the Signs: CO poisoning symptoms are often mistaken for the flu (headache, dizziness, nausea). If you suspect CO exposure, immediately evacuate to fresh air and call 911.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans for Smarter Heat Distribution
Most people think of ceiling fans as a summer tool, but they are crucial for winter efficiency! Because warm air naturally rises to the ceiling, a fan running in reverse mode can redistribute that heat and lower your energy costs.
Set it to Clockwise (Updraft): In winter, your fan blades should rotate clockwise (when looking up at them). This motion pulls cool air up and gently pushes the warmer air pooled at the ceiling down the walls and back into the room.
Run on a Low Speed: The goal is to circulate heat without creating a chilling breeze. By forcing the warm air down, you can often set your thermostat a few degrees lower without sacrificing comfort.
Only When Occupied: For maximum savings, only run your fan in rooms that are currently occupied.
3. Check for Hidden Heat Loss Sources
Even if you sealed up your windows in the fall, heat can escape through non-traditional areas, leading to high utility bills.
Attic Inspection: Ensure your attic insulation is adequate. Adequate insulation is key to maintaining your home's energy efficiency.
Drafty Openings: Check exterior doors and basement windows for drafts and use simple weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps. Sealing air leaks is a low-cost repair that significantly reduces heating bills.
Look for Soot and Rust: Streaks of soot around fuel-burning appliances or rust on flue pipes can signal a potential CO problem or ventilation issue.
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