In Denver, we deal with extreme cold snaps where temperatures drop to dangerously low levels, putting our homes at risk for damage. To help prevent problems and avoid costly repairs, we asked our brokers to share the tips they give their clients.

And if your house is uncomfortable during a cold snap, put a reminder in your calendar to call Xcel to get an energy audit, and be sure to take advantage of any rebates that are offered for air sealing and insulation. Get the work done so you will be more comfortable next time!

Interior:

• Check weatherstripping and caulking, especially around doors. Replace or seal with extra caulking, if needed.
• If you have combination storm windows or doors, make sure they are closed.
• Lock your windows. They seal better when locked.
• If you have blinds or drapes, close them (except where the sun is coming through).
• If you have Venetian Blinds, close them so they are slanted up. That will better trap the cold air behind the blinds. Make sure they are all the way down in the sill so the cold air can’t drop down from behind them.
• If you have a cold spot in the basement or a closet, temporarily change the bulb back to an old school incandescent bulb as it will put off heat and then leave it on.
• Close the fireplace flue (when not being used).

Plumbing:

• If you have a sink or other plumbing on an exterior wall, open the cabinet under the sink to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Allow a slow (hot and cold) drip from bathroom or kitchen faucet to keep water moving and prevent pipes from freezing.
• Trace pipes in the basement or crawl space, if you can, and make sure a section of the pipe is not against a wall and if it is, let the faucet it is connected to drip. If it is a washer, disconnect the washer from the water line.
• Make sure your water shut off is easily accessible.
• If you have plumbing running through a crawl space, the exterior walls of the crawl space should be insulated. If they are not, open the access door and if possible, either wrap the pipes with pipe insulation or temporarily put a small electric heater in the crawl space. If there is an exterior access to the crawl space, make sure the door is closed and well sealed.
• Insulate any exposed pipes.

HVAC:

• If you have a gas forced air furnace, change your filter so your furnace is working its best.
• If you have a boiler and radiators on the exterior walls, staple foil onto a piece of foam board and place it behind the radiator to reflect the heat back into the room. There is also a reflective foil product that looks like foil bubble wrap that can be cut to size to put behind the radiators and should be available at Home Depot or others.

Exterior:

• Keep your garage door closed as much as possible.
• Remove all the non-alcoholic beverages from your garage refrigerator (especially if it’s a detached garage) so they don’t explode.
• Disconnect your hoses from your hose bibs and cover outdoor water spigots/faucets.
• If your exterior faucets are not the frost free type, drain them.
• Check and clean out your gutters to prevent ice build up.