This week Daylight Savings went into effect. While turning back the clocks is a routine we are all accustom too, it is also a good time to get into a routine of doing annual maintenance around the house. Having a connection between daylight saving and some of these important tasks can make a routine out of them, ensuring that they’re not overlooked. Here are a few to consider:
1. Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries
The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries twice a year. If your alarm is 10 years old, it is also recommended that it be replaced.
2. Flip and/or rotate your mattress
Most mattress manufacturers recommend rotating your mattress to minimize wear and increase the longevity of your mattress. It is recommended that your mattress be flipped or rotated once a year. Making your yearly mattress flip/rotate around daylight savings time will ensure you will always remember to do it.
3. Have your furnace inspected
While furnaces are not common place in Central Florida, some Florida homes still use them. Energystar.gov suggests having your furnace inspected twice a year. Having your furnace inspected can ensure it performs correctly and can avoid breakdowns the upcoming winter season.
4. Reverse your ceiling fans
In the summer months it is best to have your ceiling fan run in a counterclockwise direction. Having your fan in a counterclockwise direction focus cooler air to be pushed down. In the cooler months, changing your ceiling fan to a clockwise direction will focus warmer air down into the living area. EnergyStar.gov has stated that reversing your ceiling fan can decrease the demand on your heating system and thus increase your energy savings.
5. Install window screens
Over the hotter summer months, Central Floridians generally keep their windows closed and the air conditioner on. Daylight Savings typically means a season change and thus a change in the weather. Cooler, less humid weather is widely welcomed and windows can finally be opened again. Window screens help with letting the cooler air in and keeping bugs and dust out.
6. Turn off exterior water faucets
It is rare in Central Florida when we get temperatures so cold that exterior faucets freeze, however, it is better to be safe than sorry when we do experience serious cold snaps. When the weather turns to freezing temperatures, water left in exterior pipes can freeze and cause pipes to burst. To prevent this from happening drain and disconnecting any exterior water hoses. Shut off water flow to the exterior faucet from the main valve which can usually be found inside many homes.
7. Check for and seal air leaks from windows/doors
Air leaks from windows or doors can cause uncomfortable drafts. Drafts can also have a negative impact on your energy bill. Locate the air leaks in your windows, doors and other areas of your home. Using a sealing agent like spray foam, caulk or weather stripping to close the gaps. If you don’t know how to find leaks, need help in sealing them or in some cases need the window/door replaced please do not hesitate to contact us.
8. Drain the water heater
Energy.gov suggests draining a quart of water from the tank four times a year. Draining your water heater helps remove sediment. Removing the water heater sediment will help heat transfer and improve the efficiency of your unit.
9. Fireplace inspection and sweep
The U.S. Fire Administration suggests having your fireplace inspected yearly, especially before the cooler months in which the fireplace will be used more frequently. A certified chimney specialist is best qualified specialist to perform a fireplace inspected and cleaning.
R. Wilding 11/6/2014