Winter is coming: How to prep your home for snow

PARK CITY, Utah — Break out the hot cocoa and dust off those skis – winter is almost here! While you dream of fresh powder and cozy nights by the fire, let’s prepare your home for the most wonderful time of the year. Here’s Inhabit Park City’s guide to winterizing your home so you can focus on what really matters: hitting the slopes!

Give Your Home Its Winter Jacket

Just like you wouldn’t hit the slopes without proper gear, your home needs protection from snowy conditions, too:

• Hunt down sneaky drafts around windows and doors. PRO TIP: Get the (age-appropriate) kids involved and use a candle flame to spot air movement
• Add weatherstripping wherever you find those pesky cold spots
• Seal up gaps around exterior walls 

Bonus: A well-sealed home means more money saved for lift tickets; you could cut heating costs by up to 15%.

Keep Your Pipes From Becoming Popsicles

Nobody wants a winter waterpark in their basement. While you’re in the basement grabbing  those skis, take time to:

• Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas (think warm, cozy pipe sweaters)
• Say farewell to garden hoses for the season (see you in spring!)
• Locate your main water shutoff valve in case you need to use it (it’s like your home’s emergency brake)
• Keep the house at a minimum of 55°F 

Show Your HVAC Some Love

Your heating system is the MVP of winter – treat it accordingly:

• Book its annual check-up with a pro (just like a preseason ski tune-up)
• Switch out those filters monthly (they get as dirty as your boot bags)
• Clear heating vents 
• Test your thermostat and carbon monoxide detectors 

Get Your Roof Ready to Shred

Your roof handles more snow than your favorite run, so help it out:

• Clear those gutters 
• Check for shingle damage (patch holes as your family member does on their favorite snow pants they aren’t ready to part with)
• Tackle potential ice dams before they form (we don’t like ice on the mountain, we don’t like ice on the roof) 
• Trim branches that might snap under heavy snow (tree maintenance > tree damage)

Winter-Proof Your Outdoor Space

Let’s be able to enjoy our outdoor space all season long; that’s why we live in Utah, right?!

• Tuck away garden tools and outdoor furniture
• Shield your AC unit from snow 
• Clear walkways (create a path to your hot tub)
• Stock up on ice melt or sand (because yard somersaults aren’t as fun as mountain ones)

The stoke is real – winter is almost here! By knocking out these tasks now, you’ll be free to enjoy everything the season offers without worrying about home maintenance emergencies. Plus, a well-winterized home means returning to a cozy paradise after a long day on the mountain.

Remember: Getting your home winter-ready is like preparing for the best pow day ever – do it early, do it right, and you’ll be ready to shred (or chill) all season long!

Now, who’s ready to check the snow report?

Julie Snyder is an experienced real estate professional who serves as a lifestyle resource for clients looking to buy or sell in the Park City area, offering luxury real estate services backed by the power of a global brand. The founder of Inhabit Park City and a sales agent at Summit Sotheby’s International Realty, Julie aims to understand her client’s needs and lifestyles before pairing them with carefully curated options that fulfill their criteria and wishes. Julie describes herself as honest, analytical, and passionate. Utilizing market data, strong negotiation skills, and effective communication, Julie easily navigates Utah’s competitive real estate market. She views herself as a relocation specialist and proudly shares her deep local knowledge of the area’s schools, neighborhoods, restaurants, clubs, and outdoor experiences.