Utah winters can arrive quickly, especially on the benches and in the mountain towns. A few hours of work in the autumn can prevent the most common winter repairs. Here is a simple checklist.
Blow out the sprinkler system
Water left in sprinkler lines can freeze, expand and crack pipes and valves. Before the first hard freeze, shut off the water to the system and have the lines blown out with compressed air. If your sprinklers run on secondary water, your provider will shut off the supply for the season; blow out the lines around that time.
Service the furnace
Most Utah homes heat with a natural gas furnace. Replace the filter, and have the furnace checked if it has not been serviced in a year or two. Make sure nothing is stored close to the furnace or water heater. This is also a good time to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and replace their batteries.
Winterise an evaporative cooler
Many Utah homes, especially older ones, are cooled by an evaporative, or swamp, cooler on the roof or a side wall. Before winter it should be drained, the water line shut off, the pads cleaned or replaced, and the unit covered. Close the inside vent or damper so warm air does not escape through it all winter.
Check the roof and gutters
Clean leaves out of gutters and downspouts so melting snow can drain away from the house. Look for loose or missing shingles. Ice dams, where melting snow refreezes at the edge of the roof, can push water under shingles; good attic insulation and ventilation help prevent them.
Protect outside faucets and pipes
Disconnect garden hoses and drain them. If your outside faucets are not frost-free, shut off their inside valves and open the outside taps to drain them. Pipes in unheated spaces such as a garage or crawl space may need insulation.
Get ready for snow
Have a shovel, ice melt and, if you need one, a snow blower ready before the first storm. Many Utah cities ask residents to clear sidewalks within a set time after a storm and to keep cars off the street during snow plowing, so check your city's rules.
Selling this winter?
Homes do sell in winter, and buyers who shop in the cold months are often serious. A clear, well-lit entry, a warm house and a cleared drive make a good first impression. If you are thinking of selling, ask us about a winter plan for your home.
Questions about getting a home ready for winter or for the market? Contact The Luxury Agency.
