Preparing Your Home and Furnace for a Colorado Cold Snap

Before the cold arrives

Front Range cold snaps can drop temperatures by 40 degrees in hours. A few minutes of prep lowers the chance of a no-heat night.

• Replace the furnace filter
• Test the thermostat and replace its batteries
• Clear snow and ice from outdoor furnace intake and exhaust pipes
• Test carbon monoxide alarms on every level
• Disconnect garden hoses and close exterior spigots
• Book a tune-up if the furnace hasn't been serviced this season

During the cold snap

Keep the thermostat steady instead of big nighttime setbacks, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls, and check outdoor vent pipes after snow or wind.