UTAH COUNTY, Utah — As temperatures begin to drop, Utah homeowners are being advised to prepare their houses and yards for the colder months ahead. Experts say taking a few simple steps now can prevent costly problems later in the winter.
According to Derek Collins, manager at Cook’s Farm and Greenhouse, October isn’t just about wrapping up fall—it’s also the start of spring preparation. “You know it always picks up a bit for the fall, and then it dies back down,” he said. “We actually start prepping for spring. They planted a bunch of flowers for spring today.”
For those with gardens, Collins recommends paying attention to perennials this time of year. “Your perennials, depending on what it is, now’s a good time to trim a lot of them back,” he said. “It helps the roots be more established, so next spring, the plants come back stronger and greener.”
Meanwhile, HVAC professionals across Utah are already seeing a spike in calls as residents turn on their furnaces for the first time. Jared Whitaker, with Gunthers Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, says that’s when many problems surface. “Mostly it’s emergency phone calls… when people start smelling something funny the first time their furnace kicks on,” he said.
Whitaker’s advice is to take preventive steps before the first major cold snap. “Go down to your furnace. Check your filter. Change it. Change it again in mid-winter,” he said. “Cleaner, safer air makes everything more comfortable for you.”
He also stressed the importance of preparing outdoor systems. “Make sure your sprinkler system and hoses are unhooked,” he said. Failing to do so can cause pipes to freeze and burst once temperatures drop below freezing.
Beyond comfort and safety, Whitaker added that maintenance can save money in the long run. “Studies show that you can save between five and 30 percent on your utilities by proactively maintaining your HVAC equipment,” he said.
Lastly, he recommends homeowners check their exterior walls and basements for adequate heating and insulation to prevent pipes from freezing.
By addressing these areas now, homeowners can avoid last-minute repairs and ensure their homes stay warm, efficient, and ready for whatever winter brings.
