As a homeowner, it is important to prepare your home for seasonal change. Wintertime weather conditions are the main concern, but with a few easy steps, you can ensure that snow and ice do not affect your home while keeping the warm air inside and the cold air outside. That is why the premier homebuilding professionals in Utah County, McArthur Homes, have put together a few simple home maintenance tips for winters in Utah.
As fall turns to winter and the temperatures drop, it is a sure sign that cool temperatures and snowfall are on the way. In Utah, this can last from November through February with some variations — depending on where you live.
Direct the Water Away from Your Home
If you purchased your house from the top new home builder in the Lehi Utah area, McArthur Homes, you can rest assured the roof is in excellent condition for winter. So, as snow builds up and melts, the only concern is to make sure the water flows away from the structural foundation.
The best way to do this is to clear out the rain gutters that run along the edge of the roof before the first winter storm. Even if your house is new, the twigs and leaves of one fall season can be enough to create a blockage. It is also important to make sure the downspouts (pipes which connect to the rain gutters and take the water to the ground) are clear of debris. Finally, make sure that the flow of water is pointed away from the house where the downspout meets the ground.
Prevent Freezing Pipes
Anything that holds moisture and is exposed to the outdoor air, such as garden-level faucets and watering hoses, should have the water flow disconnected. This is because ice expands as it freezes and can burst pipes and ruin hoses. To do this, simply locate the water shut-off valve inside the house that leads to the outside spigot. Then, remove the garden hose and store it away for the winter. If you have a sprinkler system, it is also important to turn off the water flow to the main sprinkler valve.
Check for Cracks or Leaks in Window & Door Insulation
McArthur Homes always ensures that their finished properties have an airtight seal at every door and window opening. Yet, just one summer of warm weather and sunshine can warp the insulation around some of these areas. If you feel a slight breeze at the front entry or the kitchen window, you can prevent cold air from coming inside by replacing the weather stripping around the door and replacing (or simply adding to) the caulking where the window glass meets the frame.
By doing this, you will also be preventing warm air from your furnace or your fireplace from escaping to the outside. Also, airtight windows and doors, especially in wintertime, can help cut down on heating bills since your furnace will not have to work as hard to replace escaped air.
Service the Furnace
Your heating system should be checked once a year at the onset of winter. Start by making sure your thermostat is working, and then set it at your desired temperature. If this is your second winter in a new home, the dust filter within the air intake port on your furnace should be replaced. Also, a vacuum with an extension hose is a great way to remove any dust within the air ducts throughout the house which may have accumulated over the summer or be leftover from the previous year.
Preparing for winter can be a daunting task, especially if you live in an area that gets snow. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare your home and property before the cold weather rolls into town. McArthur Homes offers great new home communities across the Utah County area that would be perfect for enjoying Winter. Contact us today to learn more about where we are building and how we can get you in the new home of your dreams.
