Albuquerque, New Mexico – After multiple rounds of winter cold already tested homes across New Mexico, many homeowners are finding that overlooked winter prep issues don’t require major storms to cause damage. With February still bringing freezing nights, especially at higher elevations, the remaining weeks of winter leave little margin for homes that weren’t fully prepared earlier in the season.
As temperatures continue to swing between overnight freezes and sunny daytime highs, homes stressed during earlier cold snaps remain vulnerable. Small maintenance gaps missed earlier in winter can worsen quickly, turning manageable issues into costly repairs if they aren’t addressed now.
Frozen pipes remain one of the most common winter problems statewide, particularly in crawl spaces, garages, basements, and exterior walls. Homes in Albuquerque and surrounding high desert communities are especially susceptible during prolonged overnight freezes.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently overlooked issue. Dryer, bathroom, and furnace vents can become clogged with dust, debris, snow, or ice, trapping moisture and restricting airflow. These blockages can force exhaust back into the home, increasing moisture damage and safety concerns during extended cold.
Ice-related roof problems have surfaced following snow and freeze events, particularly in northern and central New Mexico. Heat escaping through uneven attic insulation melts rooftop snow, which then refreezes along colder roof edges. Water can back up beneath shingles, damaging ceilings, insulation, and interior walls. Older homes in Albuquerque are especially vulnerable during freeze-thaw cycles.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines and buried drain outlets also create problems during extended cold. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow has nowhere to drain, increasing the risk of basement or crawl space flooding during brief warmups.
Rounding out the top five is heating equipment that has been running hard all winter. Furnaces and boilers with deferred maintenance can struggle as cold lingers, leaving homes without reliable heat during the most demanding part of the season.
Homeowners are encouraged to insulate exposed plumbing, keep vents clear of debris and ice, manage roof snow safely, and ensure heating systems are operating efficiently. While winter has already tested New Mexico homes, lingering February cold means preparation still matters.
