Call Us: 801-686-8927

Sign In

New Year, Smarter Home: 10 Maintenance Habits for Utah Homeowners

by | Jan 5, 2026 | Home Care Tips, Home Maintenance, Home Warranty Basics, Home Warranty Benefits, HVAC Tips, Refrigerator Tips, Seasonal Maintenance, Utah Homeowners, Utah Real Estate

New Year, Smarter Home: 10 Maintenance Habits for Utah Homeowners

A brand-new year always comes with good intentions — eat healthier, save more money, drink more water, stop pretending your car doesn’t need an oil change…

But here’s one resolution that actually sticks (and pays off): taking better care of your home.
And in Utah — where we battle snow, heat, dust, hard water, and dramatic weather swings — a smarter home maintenance routine can make the entire year smoother and less expensive.

Here are 10 simple habits that protect your home, extend the life of your systems, and help you avoid those annoying mid-winter or mid-summer repair emergencies.

1️⃣ Change Your Furnace Filter Every 30–60 Days

Utah’s dry, dusty climate — plus winter inversion season — means your HVAC system works harder than homes in other states.
A clean filter:

  • Improves airflow
  • Reduces strain on your furnace
  • Helps keep energy bills in check
  • Makes your home feel fresher

Set a recurring calendar reminder so this one never slips.

2️⃣ Test Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter heating + tightly closed windows = higher risks.
Replace batteries twice a year and press the test button monthly.
If your detectors are 10+ years old, replace them entirely.

3️⃣ Clean Refrigerator Coils Every 6 Months

Your fridge works overtime during the holidays. Pet hair and dust can cause overheating or premature failure.
Cleaning the coils improves efficiency and extends its lifespan.

4️⃣ Test GFCI Outlets

Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces rely on GFCIs for safety.
Press Test, then Reset.
If they don’t respond, replace them promptly — they protect against shocks and electrical hazards.

5️⃣ Run a Dishwasher Cleaning Cycle

Dishwashers often struggle long before they fail.
A cleaner tablet removes grease, food residue, and hard water buildup, giving your dishwasher a fresh start for the year.

6️⃣ Lubricate Garage Door Tracks & Springs

Cold Utah weather stiffens garage door components.
A small amount of silicone spray on rollers and springs keeps your opener running smoothly and reduces noise.

7️⃣ Check Exterior Caulk and Weatherstripping

Snow, wind, and Utah’s summer heat all take a toll on your seals.
Replace cracked caulk around windows, doors, and exterior joints to:

  • Reduce energy loss
  • Keep pests out
  • Prevent moisture intrusion
  • Maintain comfort year-round

8️⃣ Inspect Exposed Pipes in Cold Areas

Basements, crawlspaces, and garages are especially vulnerable.
Ensure pipes are insulated and secure.
A quick check now can prevent a very messy (and expensive) burst pipe later.

9️⃣ NEW: Clear Dryer Vents & Check for Lint Buildup

This one is critical and often overlooked.
Dryer lint is one of the most common causes of house fires — and during Utah winters, dryers are used even more often.
Check:

  • The lint trap
  • The duct behind the dryer
  • The exterior vent flap

Your dryer will run more efficiently, use less energy, and stay safer.

🔟 Schedule Annual HVAC Tune-Ups

Your furnace and AC are the heart and lungs of your home.
Annual tune-ups included in your SilverBack Home Warranty help:

  • Catch small issues before major failures
  • Extend equipment lifespan
  • Improve efficiency
  • Keep the home comfortable in extreme heat and cold

Why Smart Habits Matter

Small tasks done consistently throughout the year create a healthier, safer, more efficient home — and drastically reduce unexpected breakdowns.

A smarter home is simply a well-maintained one. And in Utah’s unique climate, maintenance isn’t optional — it’s essential.

SilverBack’s Got Your Back All Year Long

Even with great habits, things still wear out over time. That’s where a SilverBack Home Warranty steps in to offset the cost of covered repairs for heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical systems, appliances, and more.

So this year, make one resolution that truly delivers:
Protect your home, protect your budget, and let SilverBack have your back.

📞 Helpful Link