Winterize Your Lakewood Home: Essential Checklist

Cold snaps, sunny 40s, then snow again — that is winter on the Front Range. If you live in Lakewood, you know those swings can be hard on a home and your energy bill. Whether you are protecting long-term value or getting ready to list in spring, a smart winter prep plan pays off. In this guide, you will get a prioritized checklist tailored to Lakewood’s climate, tips for smart thermostats, and local resources to make it easier. Let’s dive in.

Lakewood winter at a glance

Lakewood sits near 5,500 feet, which means stronger sun, bigger day-night temperature swings, and quick weather shifts. Typical winter highs land in the 40s F with nights in the teens to 20s F, plus occasional deep freezes. Snow totals vary, but the metro often sees around 50 to 60 inches each year, and freeze–thaw cycles are common. For context on local patterns, the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder office highlights the rapid warmups from downslope winds and fast-moving winter storms.

What this means for you: more heating demand, higher ice-dam risk on roofs, and a real threat of frozen pipes in uninsulated areas. Dry indoor air can also cause discomfort and minor wood shrinkage. The checklist below focuses on the highest-impact steps first.

Your winterization checklist

A. HVAC, heating systems, and thermostats

• Schedule a professional furnace or boiler service before the first hard freeze. Ask for burner cleaning, heat exchanger and combustion checks, ignition and safety tests, and a clear flue. Carbon monoxide safety is the top priority.
• Replace filters every 1 to 3 months during heating season. Most homes do well with MERV 6 to 13. Check your system’s specifications before using higher MERV ratings.
• Test and calibrate your thermostat. Verify setback schedules, heat cycles, and fan modes.
• If you have a heat pump, confirm backup heat settings and schedule maintenance.
• Using a wood, gas, or pellet stove? Book an annual chimney sweep and flue inspection.

Why it matters: A tuned system runs safer and more efficiently, lowers breakdown risk during extreme cold, and helps keep bills in check.

B. Insulation and air sealing

• Attic: Top up insulation to cold-climate levels. In the Front Range, at least R-38 to R-49 in the attic is a common target. Seal penetrations around lights, plumbing stacks, and chimneys to stop heated air from reaching the roof deck.
• Rim joists: Seal and insulate rim joists to reduce drafts and cold floors. Use rigid foam plus spray foam at gaps.
• Basements and crawlspaces: Air-seal and insulate between conditioned and unconditioned areas. Ensure proper vapor control in crawlspaces.
• Windows and doors: Add weatherstripping and door sweeps. Re-caulk failing exterior trim and consider storm windows or inserts for single-pane glass.
• Ducts: Seal ducts in unconditioned spaces with mastic or UL-rated foil tape. Insulate exposed ducts.

Why it matters: Air sealing plus attic insulation often delivers the biggest comfort and energy gains in Lakewood while lowering ice-dam risk.

C. Roof, gutters, and exterior envelope

• Roof: Inspect for damaged shingles, cracked or missing flashing, and soft spots. Repair before heavy, wet snow hits.
• Gutters and downspouts: Clean out leaves and debris. Confirm downspouts push water away from the foundation and that extensions are secure.
• Ice dam prevention: Balance attic insulation and ventilation to keep the roof deck cold. Use roof heat cables only as a targeted backup, not a primary fix.
• Exterior sealing and paint: Reseal gaps at siding joints, trim, and pipe penetrations to limit moisture intrusion and drafts.
• Decks and patios: Tighten fasteners and secure or store outdoor furniture.

Why it matters: Good water shedding protects your roof, siding, and foundation from winter damage that can show up as costly repairs in spring.

D. Plumbing and water systems

• Insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawlspaces, and exterior walls with foam sleeves. Where allowed, add heat tape to vulnerable lines and follow manufacturer guidance.
• Irrigation: Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs. Blow out irrigation lines to prevent burst fittings.
• Know your main shutoff: Label it for quick access. Consider adding an interior shutoff for exterior lines.
• Sump pumps: Test the pump and any battery backup. Clear debris from the pit so it is ready for spring melt.
• If the home will be vacant: Set heat to about 55 F minimum and consider shutting off the main water and draining lines. Arrange periodic checks if possible.

Why it matters: Frozen pipes are among the most common winter losses in cold climates. Prevention is easier than cleanup.

E. Garage, driveway, sidewalks, and entry

• Insulate and weatherstrip an attached garage door to reduce heat loss to the house.
• Repair wide cracks in driveways and walks that collect water and freeze. This helps prevent trip hazards during showings.
• Improve safety: Check exterior lighting, add handrails where needed, and stock a concrete-friendly de-icer. Calcium chloride is usually less damaging to concrete and landscaping than rock salt. Read labels before use.

F. Safety devices and indoor air quality

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and check device dates. Install CO detectors on every floor and near sleeping areas if you use combustion appliances.
• Keep furnace and appliance vents clear of snow.
• Manage indoor humidity to about 30 to 40 percent with a whole-house or portable humidifier. This reduces static and dryness without causing window condensation. For general indoor air tips, see the EPA’s indoor air quality resources.

G. Trees, landscaping, and exterior maintenance

• Prune dead or risky branches before snow load or wind brings them down.
• Move vulnerable potted plants into protected areas. Use salt-smart practices near beds to protect landscaping.

Smart thermostats that work here

Front Range temperatures swing fast, and that makes a smart thermostat a helpful upgrade. Guidance from energy agencies indicates that smart or programmable models can deliver roughly 5 to 12 percent savings on heating and cooling energy, depending on your home and habits. For product basics and performance guidance, visit ENERGY STAR’s smart thermostat page and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver site.

What to check before you buy:

• Compatibility: Confirm your system type, staging, and whether you have a C-wire. Many modern units require one or a manufacturer-approved adapter.
• Features: Look for remote control and low-temperature alerts if you travel. These can help you respond quickly to a freezing risk.
• Rebates: Xcel Energy often offers discounts on smart thermostats and high-efficiency heating equipment. Review current offers on Xcel Energy’s residential rebates page before you purchase.

Tip for sellers: A documented furnace service, an upgraded attic, and a smart thermostat are easy line items in a listing and remove buyer objections about comfort and operating costs.

Selling this spring? Make it show ready

You want buyers to focus on layout and lifestyle, not drafts or ice. Here is how to set the stage:

• Document improvements: Keep receipts and service reports. Buyers value proof of recent furnace service, insulation upgrades, and smart device installations.
• Show winter performance: Seal windows and doors, set a comfortable thermostat schedule, and make sure rooms feel even and warm during showings.
• Maintain curb appeal: Keep walks clear, put down de-icer early, and ensure exterior lights are working for evening showings.

Local permits, rebates, and trusted resources

Before you change major systems, check local rules and incentives. These resources are a good starting point:

• City of Lakewood: For building and permitting questions, visit the City of Lakewood website.
• Jefferson County: For county-level resources and departments, see Jefferson County’s site.
• Xcel Energy Colorado: Review current home energy rebates, including insulation, audits, smart thermostats, and heating equipment, on Xcel’s residential rebates page.
• Colorado Energy Office: Learn about statewide efficiency and weatherization support at the Colorado Energy Office.
• CSU Extension: Find practical guidance on Colorado landscaping, freeze protection, and seasonal maintenance through Colorado State University Extension.
• Weather and climate: For local weather alerts and education, follow the NWS Denver/Boulder office.

Plan your timeline

Use this quick sequence to set your winter prep in motion:

• This week: Book an HVAC tune-up, buy fresh filters, and test CO and smoke detectors. Walk your roofline from the ground and clean gutters if needed.
• This month: Seal attic penetrations, add insulation where needed, and weatherstrip doors and windows. Insulate exposed pipes and label the main water shutoff.
• Before the first deep freeze: Shut off and drain hose bibs, blow out irrigation, and test your sump pump. Confirm thermostat schedules and consider installing a smart model.
• Ongoing: Keep walkways clear, monitor indoor humidity, and check that exterior vents stay free of snow.

Ready to protect your home’s value and comfort this winter? If you want a seller-focused winter prep plan, contractor referrals, or timing advice for a spring listing, reach out to Nino Pepper to schedule a free consultation.

FAQs

What should you set your heat to when away in Lakewood winters?

• For short trips, keep your thermostat around 60 to 65 F; for longer vacancies, about 55 F helps prevent frozen pipes while saving energy.

How often should a furnace be serviced in a Front Range home?

• Schedule a professional tune-up once a year before winter to check combustion safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Which smart thermostat features help in Colorado’s climate?

• Look for learning or programmable schedules, remote access, and low-temperature alerts to handle rapid weather swings and freezing risk.

Do you need a permit for attic insulation in Lakewood, CO?

• Many air sealing and attic insulation projects do not require a permit, but major mechanical replacements or ventilation changes often do; check with the City of Lakewood before starting.

What indoor humidity level is best for winter comfort and finishes?

• Aim for roughly 30 to 40 percent relative humidity to reduce dryness and static without causing window condensation, and adjust for extreme cold snaps.