The first cold snap on the Front Range can arrive fast. Colorado Springs averages about 33.6 inches of snow each season, and big temperature swings can stress roofs, pipes, and heating systems. If you want to avoid surprise repairs and high energy bills, a little prep goes a long way. Below is a practical, local checklist to help you protect your home, cut costs, and stay safe when winter weather hits. Let’s dive in.
What to expect in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs sits at high elevation with a cold, dry winter pattern and occasional strong storms. Seasonal snowfall averages about 33.6 inches, but totals swing widely from year to year. You can expect freeze–thaw cycles that test plumbing, roofs, and the building envelope. National Weather Service data for Colorado Springs provides helpful context.
The average first frost typically arrives in early October, and some years it can come in late September. Plan to finish outdoor winterization, like sprinkler blowouts and hose disconnections, by late September to early October. For timing, check local frost guidance for your ZIP code, such as the Old Farmer’s Almanac frost date tool, and follow the City’s seasonal prep tips.
After big storms, roads and utilities may take time to recover. The City advises residents to be ready to be self-sufficient for 72 hours with basic supplies and safety gear. Review the City’s winter home preparation guidance and build your kit ahead of time.
Your step-by-step winterization checklist
Exterior and roof
- Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts so melting snow drains correctly. Repair damaged shingles and small roof leaks to reduce ice dam risk. See the City’s winter home preparation guidance for roof and gutter tips.
- After each storm, clear snow and ice from furnace, dryer, and radon vents. Blocked vents can lead to dangerous fumes indoors. The EPA outlines safe practices in its winter weather and indoor air quality guidance.
- If your roof ever carries deep, heavy snow, watch for warning signs like sagging and sticking doors. When in doubt, hire a professional for removal rather than climbing on the roof yourself.
Irrigation and yard
- Winterize sprinklers before the first sustained freeze. Shut off the supply, drain lines, and schedule a professional blowout if needed to protect backflow devices and valves. Local reporting explains why timing matters in this sprinkler blowout reminder.
- Disconnect hoses and drain exterior spigots. Add inexpensive foam covers to exposed hose bibs to reduce freeze risk.
Plumbing inside
- Insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls. During extreme cold, let vulnerable faucets drip and know where your main water shutoff is.
- If you travel, keep your thermostat at a safe setting, commonly in the mid to upper 50s, to protect pipes. The City’s winter prep guidance recommends leaving heat on to prevent freezing.
Heating, HVAC, and water heater
- Schedule a furnace or boiler service before heavy use. Replace or clean filters regularly in winter to keep the system efficient. Colorado Springs Utilities shares seasonal tips and rebate info in its pre-winter energy guide.
- Test your programmable or smart thermostat. Check for utility rebates that can offset upgrade costs.
- Insulate your water heater and set the temperature to 120°F to save energy without sacrificing comfort. See Xcel’s winter energy-saving tips for simple adjustments that add up.
Seal the envelope
- Seal air leaks with caulk and weatherstripping around windows and doors. Install door sweeps and add foam gaskets at exterior outlets to reduce drafts.
- Check attic insulation and ventilation. If your attic is below common Climate Zone 5 targets, consider adding insulation. The Building America resource library explains options for existing homes at PNNL’s guide.
Safety and emergency prep
- Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas. Replace batteries annually. Review the EPA’s winter weather and indoor air quality guidance for placement and testing.
- Never run generators in the home or an attached garage. Keep them outside and away from doors and windows. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
- Build a 72-hour home kit with water, shelf-stable food, medications, flashlights, chargers, and blankets. The City’s winter prep page lists essentials.
Basements and crawl spaces
- Seal and insulate rim joists and crawl spaces to cut drafts and protect pipes. Address moisture control so thaw cycles do not lead to musty odors or mold.
- If you have a sump pump, test it now and consider battery backup. For strategies that work in older homes, see PNNL’s existing homes overview.
Windows and quick fixes
- Add window plastic kits to older or single-pane windows. Close curtains at night and open south-facing drapes during the day to capture solar warmth.
- Keep entry mats and ice melt handy to reduce slips and protect floors.
Timing: what to do when
- Early September: Schedule HVAC service, order spare furnace filters, clean gutters, disconnect hoses, and book your sprinkler blowout.
- Mid-September to October: Seal air leaks, install door sweeps, add attic or crawl space insulation if needed, and handle roof or gutter repairs before storms.
- Just before a storm: Test CO and smoke alarms, stock your 72-hour kit, charge batteries, and review utility outage maps and emergency numbers.
Costs and when to call a pro
- Low-cost DIY: Weatherstripping, door sweeps, hose-bib covers, window plastic kits, and pipe insulation are often inexpensive and deliver quick savings.
- Mid-range: Furnace tune-ups, adding attic insulation, and professional pipe insulation usually cost hundreds to low thousands depending on scope. The Building America resources at PNNL can help you understand upgrade options.
- Pro-only: Complex sprinkler blowouts, roof repairs, and any structural roof snow removal. If you need bill support or rebate info, local coverage highlights programs available through Colorado Springs Utilities in this bill assistance overview.
Local resources to bookmark
- Colorado Springs Utilities: Energy-saving tips, rebates, outage info, and customer assistance.
- City of Colorado Springs: Winter home prep checklist, safety tips, and local rules for snow removal.
- National Weather Service Pueblo: Colorado Springs forecasts and seasonal snowfall data.
- EPA: Winter indoor air quality, CO alarm, and generator safety guidance.
Getting ahead of winter gives you peace of mind and helps avoid costly surprises. If you need trusted contractor referrals or you are planning a move this season, connect with our local team. We are here to help you protect your investment and plan your next step with confidence. Reach out to The Platinum Group - CO to get started.
FAQs
When should I winterize sprinklers in Colorado Springs?
- Aim for late September to early October, before the first sustained freeze. Schedule a professional blowout if you do not have the proper equipment.
What thermostat setting prevents frozen pipes while away?
- Keep your home at a conservative setting, typically no lower than the mid to upper 50s Fahrenheit, and open sink cabinet doors where pipes run along exterior walls.
How can I prevent ice dams on my roof?
- Clean gutters, seal attic air leaks, and improve attic insulation and ventilation so the roof stays evenly cold.
What can I do to protect pipes in my garage or crawl space?
- Add pipe insulation, seal and insulate rim joists, and during extreme cold let vulnerable faucets drip; know where your main water shutoff is.
How do I manage higher winter utility bills?
- Replace furnace filters regularly, seal drafts, use a programmable or smart thermostat, and check local rebates or assistance programs offered through Colorado Springs Utilities.
