Winterizing Colorado homes to reduce preventable losses

Winterizing your home helps reduce the risk of frozen pipes, heating problems, fire hazards, and weather-related damage. For homeowners in Lamar and across Southeast Colorado, a few practical steps before cold weather arrives can make a meaningful difference in protecting the home and the belongings inside it. Just as importantly, documenting maintenance and understanding when to contact your insurance agent can help you stay prepared.

At Bellomy Insurance, we believe good home insurance starts with proactive care. Use this checklist to address common winter risks, then reach out to our local team when a change to your property, occupancy, or coverage needs may affect your policy.

Insulate Pipes Before Temperatures Drop

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter home concerns. Water expands as it freezes, which can cause pipes to crack or burst and lead to significant water damage once temperatures rise.

Start by identifying pipes in unheated or exposed areas, including crawl spaces, basements, garages, attics, exterior walls, and under sinks near outside walls. Foam pipe sleeves, heat tape designed for plumbing, and insulation can help protect vulnerable lines. Seal openings around plumbing penetrations where cold air may enter the home.

During extended cold spells, keep cabinet doors open beneath sinks to allow warmer indoor air to circulate around plumbing. If you will be home, a small, steady drip from susceptible faucets may also help reduce the chance of freezing. Know where your main water shutoff valve is located so you can act quickly if a pipe leaks or bursts.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Before a hard freeze, disconnect all garden hoses from exterior spigots. Drain the hoses, store them in a protected area, and turn off water to exterior faucets if your home has an interior shutoff valve. Then open the outdoor spigot to drain remaining water.

Leaving a hose attached can trap water in the faucet and connected plumbing. That water can freeze, potentially damaging the spigot or pipe inside the wall. If you do not have frost-free exterior faucets, consider using insulated faucet covers for another layer of protection.

Schedule Heating System Maintenance

Your furnace, boiler, heat pump, or other heating system works hard during a Colorado winter. Arrange for a qualified professional to inspect and service the system according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A seasonal appointment can identify worn components, ventilation issues, or other concerns before they become an urgent no-heat situation.

Replace or clean filters regularly, keep vents and returns clear, and make sure fuel supplies are adequate if you use propane or heating oil. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a qualified chimney professional. Removing creosote buildup and checking the flue can help reduce fire risks and improve safe operation.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Heating season makes smoke and carbon monoxide detection especially important. Test every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in the home, replace batteries when needed, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for replacing older units.

Install carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas and on each level of the home, particularly if you use fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace, an attached garage, or a generator. Never use an oven, grill, or generator to heat indoor spaces. If an alarm sounds, leave the home promptly and call emergency services when appropriate.

Seal Drafts and Protect Your Home’s Envelope

Small gaps around windows, doors, attic openings, vents, and utility lines can let cold air in and warm air out. Inspect weatherstripping and door sweeps, and replace worn materials. Caulk gaps around window and door frames where appropriate, while taking care not to block intended ventilation.

Check insulation in the attic and around accessible areas of the home. Proper insulation and air sealing can help maintain more consistent indoor temperatures, which is useful for both comfort and pipe protection. Keep indoor temperatures stable, especially during severe weather or when the home will be vacant.

Inspect the Roof, Gutters, and Nearby Trees

Before winter weather arrives, visually inspect your roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles; deteriorated flashing; and other signs that merit a roofing professional’s attention. Addressing minor issues early may help prevent water intrusion during snow, ice, wind, or rain.

Clean leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts so melting snow and rain can drain away from the roof and foundation. Confirm downspouts direct water away from the house. Also look for dead, damaged, or overhanging limbs that could fall onto the roof, vehicles, fencing, or power lines during wind or heavy snow. Use a qualified tree professional for large or hazardous limbs.

Use Space Heaters With Care

Space heaters can provide supplemental warmth, but they require close attention. Choose a modern unit with automatic shutoff and tip-over protection. Place it on a level, hard surface and keep it at least three feet away from curtains, bedding, furniture, paper, clothing, and other combustible materials.

Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip. Do not leave it running while you sleep or leave the room, and keep children and pets away from the unit. If a room remains difficult to heat, consider whether the issue calls for professional evaluation rather than relying on a portable heater every day.

Make a Travel Plan for a Vacant Home

If you plan to travel during winter, do not simply turn the heat off. Keep the home heated to a safe, consistent temperature and ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or property manager to check the property regularly. They should know how to reach you, where the main water shutoff is located, and what to do if they notice a leak, loss of heat, storm damage, or an alarm.

Consider shutting off the main water supply if it is appropriate for your home and travel plans, then draining the plumbing as advised by a qualified professional. Make sure your contact information is current with Bellomy Insurance. If the home will be vacant for an extended period, ask us to review the situation, because policy conditions and protections can vary.

Document Maintenance and Property Updates

Keep a simple home-maintenance record with dates, receipts, contractor invoices, inspection reports, and before-and-after photos. Photograph your roof, heating equipment, plumbing updates, chimney service, and any major repairs. Store copies digitally in a secure location that you can access away from home.

It is also wise to maintain a current home inventory. Photos or video of rooms, furnishings, electronics, tools, and valuables can be useful if you ever need to report a loss. Include serial numbers, purchase records, and appraisals for higher-value items when available.

When to Notify Your Insurance Agent

Home maintenance is a good reason to review coverage, especially after a meaningful change. Contact Bellomy Insurance when you complete a major renovation, replace a roof, add a fireplace or wood stove, install a backup generator, purchase significant personal property, begin renting out part of the home, or expect the property to be vacant for an extended period.

Colorado homeowners may also need to revisit coverage after changes involving a farm or ranch property, a detached structure, a home-based business, or a landlord arrangement. As an independent insurance agency, Bellomy Insurance can help you understand how changes may relate to your home coverage and whether a review of your broader protection, such as auto insurance, umbrella coverage, farm and ranch insurance, landlord protection, or business insurance, makes sense for your circumstances.

FAQ

When should I winterize my home in Lamar?

It is best to begin before consistently freezing temperatures arrive. Schedule heating and chimney service early, then complete outdoor and plumbing tasks before the first hard freeze whenever possible.

Should I turn off my heat while I am traveling in winter?

No. Keep the heat at a safe, consistent setting to help protect the home and plumbing. Arrange for someone dependable to check the property, particularly during severe weather.

Do I need to tell my insurance agent about a new roof or renovation?

Yes. Major repairs, replacements, additions, and renovations can change the home’s replacement cost, risk profile, or available policy options. Let your agent know so your coverage can be reviewed accurately.

Are space heaters safe to use in a home?

They can be used more safely when operated carefully. Select a unit with automatic safety features, keep clear space around it, plug it directly into a wall outlet, and never leave it unattended or running while you sleep.

What records should I keep for winter home maintenance?

Save receipts, service reports, photos, contractor invoices, and warranty information. Keep a dated record of work completed, along with an updated home inventory and documentation for valuable belongings.

Winter preparation is an investment in protecting the place you call home. For a personalized review of your home coverage in Lamar or anywhere in Southeast Colorado, contact Bellomy Insurance at (719) 336-9025. We will take the time to discuss your property, recent updates, and the coverage questions that matter most to you.