Winter Home Prep: Quick Checklist for Ruidoso Residents

Written By Kerry Gladden

Ruidoso, NM (Nov. 5, 2025) — Cold nights arrive fast in the mountains. Before the next freeze, run through this quick checklist: service your heat, seal drafts, winterize outdoor plumbing, clear gutters, and check safety devices.

  • Heating: Test systems • Clear debris • Change filters • Reverse ceiling fans • Program thermostats

  • Fireplace: Clean/check dampers • Stock firewood • Inspect chimney cap

  • Insulation/Drafts: Check drafts • Caulk/weather-strip • Remove A/C units • Close vents in unused rooms • Seal crawl space

  • Plumbing: Winterize sprinklers • Turn off outdoor spigots • Detach/drain hoses • Insulate pipes/faucets

  • Exterior: Store lawn gear/furniture/grills • Stage ice melt/sand/shovels/scrapers • Inspect roof • Clean gutters

  • Safety/Other: Test smoke/CO alarms • Bring in plants • Replace old extinguishers • Open under-sink doors on cold nights

Get the full, printable checklist and local winter resources on our Winter Home Prep page.

Kerry Gladden
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