Timing is everything…
Spring forward, fall back! This weekend is Daylight Savings Time (unless you live in Hawaii, or Arizona - two states who don’t need that extra hour of sunshine!) Beginning this Sunday, most of us get an extra hour of daylight added to our day.
I give my house a tune-up on DST weekend. I challenge you to spend one of your extra hours of sunlight making your home healthier for you and your loved ones. The cost of these few items is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
SMOKE ALARMS
The batteries in your smoke alarm should be tested, and/or replaced. Your detector may take 9-volt, AA or AAA batteries. Be sure to check before you head to the hardware store.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
It is always good to protect yourself against the unseen. If you don’t have one in your home, now might be a good time to pick one up. You can find them at your local hardware store, or on Amazon.com. Some models plug into an outlet, but I like ones that have a battery, or a battery back-up. First Alert and Kidde both make a combination smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detector.
FILTERS
Clean or replace them.
Since you’re already going to the hardware store for batteries, pick up a filter for your furnace, unless yours is re-usable and can be cleaned with a hose (check your manufacturers directions to find out).
Replace your kitchen exhaust air filter, and clean the exhaust hood. Also dust/vaccuum your heating/cooling registers.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
When was the last time you picked up a new fire extinguisher? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to get a new one! You can usually find them in packages of two. I like to have one in the kitchen, one near the barbecue, and one in each of the cars.
Tip: Don’t store the fire extinguisher over the stove. If something on the stovetop needs the extinguisher, you do not want to have to reach over flames.
HOT WATER HEATERS
You don’t think about it until it stops working. Visit DIYnetwork.com to find out how draining your hot water heater annually can add years onto its life.
CLOCKS
Of course, don’t forget to change all your clocks–in the house (living room, bedrooms, microwave, VCR and other electronic equipment), garage, office, cars and watches–spring forward one hour this weekend.
I’m sure you can think of other items you can attend to, since you have that extra hour of daylight. I’d love to know what you have on your list, in case I need to add it to mine too.
Enjoy your longer days!
