Winter Prep Checklist for Salt Lake Valley Homeowners: Your Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free Season
Winter's knocking at the door here in the Salt Lake Valley! If you're like most Utah homeowners, you're probably thinking, "Didn't I just put away the snow shovel?" Trust us, we get it. Between our unpredictable weather swings and those surprise storms that roll in from nowhere, winter prep can feel overwhelming.
But here's the thing: a little preparation now saves you from those 2 AM panic calls when something breaks during a blizzard. As your trusted Salt Lake Valley handyman team, we've seen it all across the Salt Lake Valley—burst pipes, frozen gutters, and furnaces that decided to take vacation right before Christmas dinner.
Let's walk through your winter prep checklist together. No stress, no fancy equipment needed, just some good old-fashioned prevention that'll keep your home cozy and save some cash for extra presents.
Exterior: Your Home's Winter Armor
Your home's exterior is basically wearing a coat all winter long, so let's make sure it's a good one.
Roof and Gutters: The Dynamic Duo
Clean those gutters like your sanity depends on it (because it does)
Check for loose or missing shingles, Salt Lake Valley winds don't mess around
Test downspouts drain away from your foundation
Pro tip: Ice dams are real party crashers here in Utah
Windows and Doors: Draft Busters
Run the candle test, hold a lit candle near window frames and watch for flickering
Apply caulk around windows and doors (it's cheaper than cranking up the heat)
Check weatherstripping and replace if it's looking tired
One-liner: Good weatherstripping = lower heating bills = happy homeowners
Siding and Foundation: The Unsung Heroes
Seal any cracks in exterior walls before they become water highways
Inspect siding for loose pieces that winter wind might steal
Make sure nothing's blocking foundation vents
Reality check: Small cracks become big problems when water freezes inside them
Heating System: Your Winter Best Friend
Nothing ruins holiday gatherings like a furnace that quits mid-December. Let's show it some love.
Furnace TLC
Schedule that professional tune-up (yes, even if "it seemed fine last year")
Replace filters and buy extras, you'll thank yourself later
Test your thermostat's accuracy with a separate thermometer
Money-saving hack: Set to 68° when home, lower when away or sleeping
Airflow and Efficiency
Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down (clockwise rotation)
Check vents aren't blocked by furniture or holiday decorations
Consider a programmable thermostat if yours is older than your smartphone
Utah tip: Our dry climate means humidifiers can help you feel warmer at lower temperatures
Plumbing: Preventing the Expensive Disasters
Burst pipes are like uninvited guests, they show up at the worst times and make a huge mess.
Pipe Protection
Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and cold bathrooms
Know where your water main shut-off is (seriously, practice finding it in the dark)
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses completely
Prevention beats panic: A $5 pipe sleeve beats a $500 plumbing bill
Water Heater Wisdom
Drain sediment from your water heater
Check the temperature setting (120°F is perfect)
Insulate the tank if it's in an unheated space
Grateful moment: Hot showers on cold mornings are pure magic
Yard and Landscaping: Winter's Sleepy Time Prep
Your yard deserves a good winter's nap, but it needs some prep first.
Trees and Shrubs
Trim branches away from your roof and let your power company know if branches are encroaching on nearby power lines
Wrap delicate plants in burlap (they'll thank you come spring)
Remove dead plant material and debris
Local wisdom: Salt Lake Valley's temperature swings are hard on plants, extra protection helps
Lawn and Garden Beds
Final mow and leaf cleanup (or turn those leaves into mulch)
Mulch garden beds for root protection
Store outdoor planters and furniture
One-liner: A little fall prep = a gorgeous spring comeback
Snow Removal Equipment: Your Winter Warriors
Get Your Gear Ready
Test that snowblower or locate your shovel
Stock up on ice melt and sand
Check snow removal service contracts if you hire pros
Stake your driveway edges so you can find them after the first storm
Reality check: The best time to find your snow shovel is definitely not during a blizzard
Interior Comfort: Cozy Season Activated
Climate Control
Clean fireplace and chimney (if you have one)
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Check that bathroom exhaust fans work properly
Comfort tip: Good ventilation prevents condensation and mold issues
Seasonal Switches
Swap to flannel sheets and pull out the heavy blankets
Clean dryer vents thoroughly (winter = more laundry time)
Check basement for moisture issues
Gratitude note: There's nothing quite like a warm, dry home during a Utah snowstorm
Emergency Preparedness: Because Life Happens
Winter Emergency Kit
Flashlights, batteries, and backup power sources
First aid supplies and any necessary medications
Non-perishable food and water for 72 hours
Peace of mind: Being prepared means sleeping better during storm warnings
Professional Backup Plans
Keep contact info for reliable home repair Salt Lake Valley contractors handy
Know which tasks you can DIY and which need a Salt Lake Valley handyman
Consider annual maintenance contracts for major systems
Smart move: Having a trusted handyman Salt Lake Valley contact saves stress during emergencies
The Bottom Line: Prevention Pays Off
Look, we know winter prep isn't the most exciting way to spend a weekend. But here's what we've learned after years as home remodel contractor Utah professionals: every hour you spend on prevention saves you from those expensive, stressful emergency calls later.
Your future self, the one drinking hot cocoa while snow falls outside your warm, leak-free home, is going to be so grateful you took the time now. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about checking items off a list, knowing you've got everything handled.
And hey, if you get halfway through this list and think, "You know what? I'd rather hire someone for some of this," we totally get it. That's what we're here for. Whether you need help with the big stuff or just want peace of mind that everything's done right, your handyman team at Your Handyman Pros has got your back.
Winter's coming whether we're ready or not: but with this checklist in hand, you're definitely going to be ready. Stay toasty, Salt Lake Valley!
Ready to tackle your winter prep but need some backup? Check out our other seasonal guides or get in touch for help with the bigger tasks. We're here to make your home maintenance stress-free.
