Mountain Home Winter Preparation: Key Maintenance Tips

As the cold season approaches and snow begins to fall, it’s important to ensure that your mountain home is well-prepared for winter. Proper mountain home winter preparation can save you from costly repairs and help you enjoy a cozy season in your home. Whether you’re anticipating snow within a month or next week, here are a few key steps to get your home winter-ready:

1. Winterize Your Landscaping and Irrigation Systems

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to contact your landscaping company and make sure your irrigation system is “blown-out” and winterized. Failing to do this can result in burst hoses, irrigation stubs, or underground irrigation lines due to freezing. This simple step will help avoid serious damage once temperatures start to drop.

2. Disconnect Exterior Hoses

Be sure to disconnect all hoses from outdoor hose bibs. When water is left inside the hose and it freezes, it can expand, causing damage even to frost-free hose bibs by backing up into your home. Disconnecting them now can prevent a costly repair later.

3. Snow Load Management

Heavy snow loads on your deck, roof, and patio can lead to structural damage or leaks. Staying on top of snow accumulation is a key part of mountain home winter preparation. If you’re ever unsure about how much snow is too much, it’s best to call a snow removal service. Additionally, avoid using snow melt chemicals on your concrete driveways or patios, as these can cause chipping and damage to the surface. If you are looking for a snow removal company, here are a few that got voted the best.

4. Turn On Your Heat Tape

If your home is equipped with heat tape, now is the time to turn it on. Heat tape helps prevent ice dams and ensures that snow and ice don’t accumulate on vulnerable parts of your roof. It’s a good idea to mark your calendar for late April to turn it off again. You can typically find the switch for your heat tape in your breaker panel or sub-panel.

5. Service Water Pumps and Sewer Lift Stations

For homes with water pumps or sewer lift stations, we recommend having them inspected and serviced every 1-3 years. These systems can accumulate fatty deposits that hinder their function over time. Professional service companies, like Snowbridge, can handle this task for you. While pumps can last for many years, they eventually need maintenance, and this is one job you definitely don’t want to leave unchecked.

6. Boiler and Radiant Heat System Tune-Ups

If your home is equipped with a boiler or radiant heating system, now is a great time to schedule a check-up. I recommend having a plumber evaluate your system every couple years, paying special attention to glycol levels and concentration. Over time, radiant systems can become less efficient as the glycol is diluted. Scheduling this service before winter sets in ensures you’ll have a cozy, well-heated home without the hassle of emergency repairs during peak winter months.

7. Tune Your HVAC System and Change Filters

Don’t overlook your HVAC system as part of winter preparation. It’s essential to have your system tuned up to ensure it’s running efficiently during the colder months. Regular maintenance will help extend its lifespan and keep heating costs down. Also, remember to change or clean your filters. Clean filters improve indoor air quality and allow your system to operate more efficiently, keeping you warm and comfortable throughout the winter.

You may also wish to read my post: Maximize Your Home’s Value, featuring Important information on what to do now if you are thinking of selling after the first of the year.