A very happy new year to our readers from the entire family at San Juan Realty, Inc.! We hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season and as we’re all too aware, it’s time to get back to business. Today marks the beginning of the 2009 Ouray Ice Festival (if you’re into that kind of thing!) but also demonstrates the consistent flow of visitors we have coming through the San Juan region year-round. From ice climbing to skiing to jeep tours and fly fishing on the Uncompahgre River, the residents of Ouray, Ridgway, Montrose and Telluride all have a world of wonder waiting at their fingertips.

Here are some tips for the winter season to make sure your house and living space is in tip-top shape throughout the winter:

1. Check those rain gutters! High winds throughout the winter season can fill those gutters with debris, preventing proper drainage and leading to possible roofing and foundation issues later on.
2. Driveway melt – you know that stuff you buy at Walmart to melt the ice on your driveway and sidewalks? Take a look. Is it pet-safe? If you’ve got furry friends, check the label twice.
3. Got a chimney? Make sure it stays clean during these high-use fireplace months. It’s worth having a professional swing by and make sure you’re good to go.
4. Heaters and Furnaces -Nothing’s worse than looking at your gas or electric bill and letting out a yelp. When you’re not home, crank the temperature down to 60. You’ll be surprised how quickly things heat-up when you get home and kick it on again! Consider space heaters (read the directions!) for bedrooms and living areas while watching a movie on the couch. Why heat rooms you don’t use?