Winterize your home ahead of this week’s storm

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Coloradans are gearing up for the winter storm Thursday night until Saturday, and experts are weighing in on how to winterize your house.

For any furnace issues, Toby Conquest, the owner of the Furnace Guy Heating and Cooling, says the two most common calls are around dirty filters and dirty flame sensors. He adds, "Especially before a cold front moves in you’ll want to make sure your filter is clean."

The Furnace Guy Heating and Cooling recommends changing out your furnace filter every 30 days. If your furnace isn't working properly, there may be an issue with the flame sensor. You can clean that yourself with an old piece of sand cloth or a dollar bill.

A leader in the home improvement and services industry, Modernize.com, has a few more ways to avoid getting stuck in the cold:

• Furnace inspection - change the air filter and schedule a professional inspection; the HVAC needs a once-over to avoid the cost of a new furnace replacement
   
• Windows and doors - consider switching out screens for storm windows, check the frames for gaps and fill any with caulk or weather stripping to prevent heat loss
   
• Clean out the gutters - remove debris to reduce the risk of ice dams or water damage; while on the ladder, try to inspect the roof or hire someone (it’s cheaper than a leak)
   
• Hose and sprinkler management - for homeowners that live in colder climates, it’s best to disconnect hoses for the winter season and add a hose bib insulator; remember to blow out the sprinkler system too
   
• Switch the ceiling fans to rotate clockwise - this produces a gentle updraft to force the warm air down; keeping a fan on low and running it clockwise allows owners to turn the heat down a few degrees to help with utility bills
   
• Bonus tip - invest in heavier curtains to help keep additional heat inside