WINTER HOME MAINTENANCE PLAN - 2 tasks per month
December – Year-End Home Check
1. Inspect Holiday Lights & Outlets
Why? Prevents electrical hazards.
Why? Prevents electrical hazards.
DIY Steps:
- Check cords for fraying.
- Use surge protectors.
- Avoid overloading circuits.
- Use surge protectors.
- Avoid overloading circuits.
Professional Help: Hire an electrician or holiday light installer.
2. Declutter & Organize
Why? Prepares for the new year.
DIY Steps:
- Sort and donate unused items.
- Store holiday decor efficiently.
- Clean and reorganize living spaces.
- Store holiday decor efficiently.
- Clean and reorganize living spaces.
Professional Help: Contact a professional organizer.
January – Start the Year Right
1. Replace HVAC Filters
Why? Dirty filters reduce efficiency and air quality.
Why? Dirty filters reduce efficiency and air quality.
DIY Steps:
- Turn off your HVAC system.
- Remove the old filter and check its size.
- Insert the new filter with arrows pointing in the airflow direction.
- Turn the system back on.
- Remove the old filter and check its size.
- Insert the new filter with arrows pointing in the airflow direction.
- Turn the system back on.
Professional Help: Contact an HVAC specialist for a full system check.
In Utah: winter inversions trap fine particulate in the valleys for days at a time. Salt Lake City recommends a MERV 11 or higher filter if your system can handle it, changed monthly through inversion season.
2. Check for Ice Dams
Why? Ice dams cause roof leaks and damage.
DIY Steps:
- Use a roof rake to remove excess snow.
- Ensure attic insulation is adequate.
- Install heat cables if needed.
- Ensure attic insulation is adequate.
- Install heat cables if needed.
Professional Help: Call a roofing expert for a full inspection.
In Utah: snow load varies a lot with elevation. USU and the Structural Engineers Association of Utah publish a ground snow load map at usu.edu/utahsnowload.
February – Safety First
1. Test Smoke & CO Detectors
Why? These devices save lives.
DIY Steps:
- Press the test button on each detector.
- Replace batteries if necessary.
- Install new detectors if expired (typically every 10 years).
- Replace batteries if necessary.
- Install new detectors if expired (typically every 10 years).
Professional Help: Hire an electrician for a whole-home check.
In Utah: while you are checking life-safety devices, test for radon. Utah DEQ reports roughly 30% of Utah homes tested come back above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Winter is the right time - a valid short-term test needs the house closed up for 12 hours before and during. Utah's Seller's Property Disclosure asks sellers to disclose known radon.
2. Inspect Caulking Around Windows & Doors
Why? Prevents drafts and moisture issues.
DIY Steps:
- Scrape off old caulk if cracked.
- Apply a fresh bead of weatherproof caulk.
- Smooth it with a damp finger or tool.
- Apply a fresh bead of weatherproof caulk.
- Smooth it with a damp finger or tool.
Professional Help: Contact a handyman for pr
DIY VIDEOS FOR WINTER HOME MAINTENANCE
Check out our video resources to learn more about these winter home maintenance recommendations