Your Utah Fall & Winter Home Maintenance Checklists

Aerial view of a Utah neighborhood at sunset with mountains on the horizon
Homeowner Tips

Your Utah Fall & Winter Home Maintenance Checklists

Marty GaleBy Marty Gale, Principal Broker, Utah Realty

Utah's seasons change fast. One week it's 75 degrees, and the next there's snow on the benches. A few hours of upkeep in fall and winter protects your home, keeps your utility bills down, and saves you from expensive surprises in spring.

Below are two checklists made for Wasatch Front homes. Click the boxes as you go, or print this page and stick it on the fridge.

Checklist 1

Fall Homeowner Checklist

Best timing: late September through mid-November

Yard & Irrigation

  • Blow out your sprinkler system. Have it blown out before the first hard freeze so water left in the lines doesn't crack pipes or valves. Many Utah secondary water systems shut off around mid-October.
  • Turn down your irrigation timers. Cooler days mean lawns need much less water. Shut the timer off once your system is drained.
  • Disconnect garden hoses and shut off or insulate outdoor hose bibs (spigots).
  • Aerate and fertilize the lawn with a winterizer to help roots get through the cold.
  • Trim trees and shrubs away from the roof, siding, and power lines before heavy snow weighs branches down.

Roof, Gutters & Exterior

  • Clean gutters and downspouts once most leaves have fallen. Make sure downspouts drain at least 4–6 feet away from the foundation.
  • Check the roof for missing or lifted shingles and damaged flashing around chimneys and vents.
  • Seal gaps around windows, doors, and siding with caulk and new weatherstripping.
  • Winterize the swamp cooler if you have one: drain it, disconnect the water line, and put on a cover.
  • Store or cover patio furniture, grills, and outdoor décor.

Heating & Safety

  • Schedule a furnace tune-up before the first cold snap, when HVAC companies get busy.
  • Change the furnace filter. Plan to check it every 1–3 months through winter.
  • Have the chimney or fireplace inspected and cleaned if you burn wood.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and put in fresh batteries.
  • Flush the water heater to clear sediment. Utah's hard water builds it up fast.
Marty's tipPut your sprinkler blowout on the calendar now. Once the first freeze is forecast, local sprinkler companies book up quickly.
Checklist 2

Winter Homeowner Checklist

Best timing: December through February
Aerial view of a Utah home with snow-capped mountains behind it
Snow on the peaks means it's time to switch to winter mode.

Snow & Ice

  • Get your snow gear ready: shovels, ice melt (pet- and concrete-safe), and a snowblower that's been serviced and fueled.
  • Clear sidewalks quickly. In Salt Lake City, homeowners must clear sidewalks on all sides of their property within 24 hours after snow stops. Check your own city's rules.
  • Watch for ice dams and large icicles along the eaves. They often mean heat is escaping through the attic.
  • Rake heavy snow off low-pitch roofs, carports, and patio covers after big storms.
  • Keep the furnace exhaust and dryer vents clear of drifting snow.

Pipes & Plumbing

  • Insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and along outside walls.
  • During deep cold snaps, drip faucets on outside walls and open the cabinet doors under sinks.
  • Know where your main water shutoff is so you can act fast if a pipe bursts.
  • Leave the heat at 55°F or higher when you travel for the holidays or ski trips.

Indoor Air & Comfort

  • Test for radon. Winter is the ideal time because windows stay closed. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has a radon program with testing information.
  • Upgrade to a higher-MERV furnace filter during inversion season to help with indoor air quality.
  • Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise on low to push warm air back down.
  • Use a humidifier to fight Utah's dry winter air and protect wood floors and trim.
  • Check the attic for proper insulation and signs of moisture or frost.

Emergency Ready

  • Stock a home kit: flashlights, batteries, water, blankets, and a few days of food in case of power outages.
  • Keep a winter kit in each car for canyon drives and I-80 or I-15 delays.
  • Review your homeowner's insurance for water and freeze damage coverage.
Marty's tipTake photos while you finish each checklist. If you sell, a record of steady maintenance gives buyers confidence and can help your inspection go smoothly.

Why it matters for your home's value

Small tasks like sealing gaps, servicing the furnace, and keeping water away from the foundation prevent the problems that show up on inspection reports. Whether you plan to sell next spring or stay for decades, a well-kept home holds its value.

Curious what your home is worth today? Reach out anytime for a free, no-pressure market analysis.

Sources: Salt Lake City snow removal rules · South Jordan secondary water FAQ · Utah Division of Water Resources · Utah DEQ radon program

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