Colorado winters are beautiful, but they also bring biting temperatures, icy winds, and higher energy bills. Whether you live in Alamosa, La Jara, or anywhere in the San Luis Valley, preparing your home early can make the biggest difference in comfort and cost savings.
Winter home maintenance does not have to be complicated. A few smart upgrades and seasonal checks can help your home stay warm, efficient, and protected through the coldest months.
At Alamosa Building Supply, we help homeowners and DIYers winterize their homes with the right materials, knowledgeable guidance, and local insight. Here are six proven ways to winter-proof your home and keep your energy bills under control.
1. Seal Air Leaks to Keep Heat Inside
When cold air slips in through gaps around windows, doors, and siding, your furnace has to work harder. One of the easiest winter home maintenance tasks is stopping drafts before temperatures drop.
Check Common Draft Zones
Use your hand or a lit incense stick to check for airflow around:
- Exterior doors
- Window frames
- Attic access points
- Baseboards
- Utility penetrations
Weatherize With Affordable Materials
Visit Alamosa Building Supply for:
- Weatherstripping
- Door sweeps
- Expanding foam
- Silicone caulk
These small repairs can lower your heating usage and pay for themselves quickly. For a full fall checklist, you can also read our fall prep guide here.
2. Upgrade or Refresh Insulation Where It Matters Most
Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to save energy in winter. In older Colorado homes, insufficient insulation is incredibly common.
Prioritize Attics and Basements
Heat naturally rises, which means attics are responsible for significant energy loss. If your attic insulation is below R38, it is time to add more.
Basements and crawl spaces can also cause drafts and cold floors. Adding batt or rigid foam insulation helps stabilize temperatures.
Material Options Available at ABS
We carry:
- Fiberglass batts
- Blow-in insulation
- Rigid foam boards
- Mineral wool for sound and temperature control
Our team is always happy to help you figure out the right R-value for your project and how much coverage you’ll need.
3. Protect Plumbing From Freezing Temperatures
Colorado’s freezing nights can be tough on your plumbing. Frozen pipes can burst, causing costly water damage.
Simple Steps to Winterize Plumbing
- Wrap exposed pipes with pipe insulation
- Disconnect all garden hoses
- Install frost-proof spigots where possible
- Keep indoor temperatures above 55 degrees
High-quality pipe insulation and winterizing supplies are available in-store.
4. Prepare Your Heating System for Heavy Winter Use
Your heating system works hardest during Colorado winters. Performing routine winter home maintenance can extend the life of your equipment and improve efficiency.
Replace Filters and Clean Vents
A clogged filter forces your furnace to use more energy. Replace furnace filters every 1 to 3 months during the heating season.
Add Supplemental Heat if Needed
Many homeowners supplement their main heat source with:
- Space heaters
- Wood stoves
- Pellet stoves
We carry winter heating essentials, including a variety of heaters and pellets, to help keep your home comfortable during extreme cold.
5. Winterize Your Home’s Exterior
Your home’s exterior takes the biggest beating during winter storms. A few preventative steps can prevent costly damage.
Inspect Your Roof
Look for:
- Missing shingles
- Gutter blockages
- Signs of sagging
Heavy snow can cause damage if your roof is not ready.
Prepare for Snow and Ice
At Alamosa Building Supply, we carry winter essentials to help you prepare for the upcoming season, including:
- Snow shovels
- Ice melt
- Snow removal tools
Having these items ready before the first storm makes winter much easier.
6. Improve Indoor Comfort With Low-Cost Energy Savers
Small upgrades make a big difference during Colorado winters.
Try These Affordable Comfort Boosters
- Install thermal curtains
- Add door draft stoppers
- Use programmable thermostats
- Rearrange furniture away from cold walls
Even simple changes like these help your home feel warmer without increasing energy use.
Is your home ready for the next Colorado winter?
Winter in Colorado can be tough, but preparing your home doesn’t have to be. With the right winter home maintenance steps, you can keep your family warm, lower your energy bills, and prevent seasonal damage.
At Alamosa Building Supply, we are here to help you winterize with confidence. Whether you need insulation, weatherstripping, heaters, snow removal tools, or expert guidance, our team is ready to support your project.
Ready to winter-proof your home? Visit Alamosa Building Supply today or contact us for help picking the right materials.
