This week nighttime temperatures are officially in the 30s, and that means it's time to take care of the fall maintenance you've been putting off. Not to worry, I put together a checklist for you. Fall maintenance is realllly important to get your home through a Colorado winter, so take a read, and get the gutters done first if you only do one thing.
Outdoor Fall Maintenance Checklist
- Clean the gutters and downspouts. If you only do one thing on this list, make it this one. Colorado has expansive soil, and where the water goes matters a lot to your foundation. Clear the debris so the gutters don't freeze solid and overflow, and make sure the downspouts point away from the house. Extenders should carry water at least 4 to 6 feet from the foundation.
- Blow out the sprinkler system. You probably got away with it during the warm weeks, but once nights are consistently in the 30s, no longer. Shut off the water and have the lines blown out.
- Disconnect garden hoses. A hose left on can crack the faucet, even a frost-free one. If you're one of my gardeners who winter waters, that's fine, just disconnect and reconnect the hose each time.
- Look over the roof. From the ground or with binoculars, check for missing or lifted shingles and hail damage from summer storms.
- Trim branches near the house and power lines. Early wet snow lands on trees that still have leaves, and heavy limbs break.
- Seal gaps on the exterior. Caulk around windows, doors, and where pipes and wires enter the house.
- Shut off and cover the swamp cooler, if you have one. Drain it, disconnect the water line, and put on its cover.
Indoor Fall Maintenance Checklist
- Service the furnace. Book a tune-up before the first cold snap, when HVAC companies get busy. If they say it needs to be replaced, call me first. I'm happy to help you figure out whether that's accurate.
- Change the furnace filter. Then check it monthly through winter.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries while you're at it.
- Get the fireplace or chimney inspected before the first fire of the season.
- Flush the water heater to clear sediment.
- Know where your main water shutoff is, in case a pipe ever freezes and bursts.
Denver Snow Removal Rules
- Know the sidewalk rule. In Denver, homeowners have 24 hours after the snow stops to clear the sidewalks along their property (Denver7). Aurora, Lakewood, and Englewood use the same 24-hour rule. A few cities differ, so check your city's rules if you're outside Denver.
Need a Recommendation?
If you need a gutter cleaner, HVAC tech, chimney person, or anyone else on this list, reach out. I'm happy to share the people I trust!
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I blow out my sprinklers in Denver?
Before nighttime temperatures stay below freezing. In Denver, that's usually in October.
Do I need to disconnect my hose if I have a frost-free spigot?
Yes. A hose left attached traps water and can crack even a frost-free faucet.
How often should I service my furnace?
Once a year, ideally in early fall before HVAC companies get busy.
How long do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Denver?
24 hours after the snow stops falling.
How do I prevent ice dams?
Keep your gutters and downspouts clear so melting snow can drain off the roof and away from the house.