December Homeowner Tips Every Utahn Should Know

Utah winters hit differently — freezing nights, sudden cold snaps, inversion, and long stretches where your home works overtime. As Utah real estate professionals, we see firsthand the winter issues that cost homeowners money and the small preventive steps that make the biggest difference.

Here are the simple, high-impact December homeowner tips every Utah homeowner should tackle this week. Quick to do, easy to understand, and proven to protect your home through the coldest part of the year.

1. Change Your Furnace Filter

Utah furnaces run constantly in winter, and a dirty filter makes your system work harder.

Do this this week:

• Swap in a new filter (20 seconds)

• Set a reminder for every 30–45 days

Cleaner air, lower bills, and a healthier furnace.

2. Walk Your Exterior for Winter Damage

Snow and ice hide problems until spring, so a quick check now can save you trouble later.

Look for:

• Sagging or ice-heavy gutters

• Blocked downspouts

• Water draining toward the foundation

• Loose shingles or siding

A five-minute walk can catch issues early.

3. Protect Your Pipes During Freezes

Utah cold snaps happen fast, and frozen pipes are one of the most costly winter problems.

Whenever temps dip below 20°, remember:

• Open cabinets under sinks

• Let faucets drip overnight

• Keep interior doors open

• Know where your main water shut-off is

Small actions → big savings.

4. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

More cooking. More candles. More heaters. More people home.Holiday season means detectors matter even more.

Check this week:

• Press the test button

• Replace batteries if needed

• Replace any unit older than 10 years

They expire quietly — most homeowners have no idea.

5. Clean Out Your Dryer Vent

Holiday laundry season = more loads + more lint. Dryer vent buildup causes thousands of house fires every winter.

Clean:

• The lint trap

• The vent hose behind the dryer

• The exterior vent flap

It takes 10 minutes and makes your dryer run better.

6. Flush Your Water Heater

Utah’s hard water creates sediment that makes your water heater work harder.

Do this quick version:

• Drain 1–2 gallons from the tank

• Turn the unit back on

That small flush improves efficiency and helps your water heat faster. A full flush can wait until spring.

7. Build a Simple Winter Emergency Shelf

Utah storms and outages happen quickly. A small preparedness shelf covers you for the unexpected.

Include:

• Flashlights & batteries

• Blankets

• Chargers

• Ice melt

• Bottled water

• Basic first-aid items

Nothing fancy — just ready.

8. Make a Simple Annual Maintenance Plan

Most Utah homeowners feel overwhelmed because they’re trying to do everything at once. A seasonal rhythm makes it simple.

Try this:

• Winter: Filters, pipes, roof checks

• Spring: Gutters, yard prep

• Summer: AC, sprinklers

• Fall: Furnace service, drafts, winterizing

Small rhythms → long-term savings.

Final Thoughts

Your home doesn’t need major projects right now — just small, smart maintenance steps that keep Utah homes protected and running smoothly through winter. If you ever want help understanding which improvements actually add value in Utah’s market, the Father-Daughter Duo at Family Ties Realty is always here to guide you.