10/08/2026
Winter hits homes hard in the Bitterroot Valley, and every year I see the same issues pop up during inspections and pre‑listing walkthroughs. Here are a few simple things you can do now to protect your home and avoid expensive surprises later:
Seal up drafts around doors & windows — even small gaps can raise your heating bill
Disconnect hoses & cover outdoor spigots to prevent frozen pipes
Swap out furnace filters so your system runs efficiently all season
Clear gutters so melting snow drains properly instead of backing up
Test smoke & CO detectors — winter is when they matter most
Check that exterior vents aren’t blocked by snow or debris
Keep ice melt and a small shovel near your main entry for safety
If you have pets or livestock, make sure outdoor water sources won’t freeze overnight