Longer Days Are About To Put a Spring in Your Step!
Daylight savings time is almost here. Make sure your
clocks have been set one hour forward and get ready for sunnier days ahead! In
the spirit of spring cleaning and new beginnings, now is a great time to take
care of tasks and maintenance around the house!
Check smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke alarms should be
tested periodically to make sure they are doing their job to keep your family
safe. While a smoke detector should be replaced at least every 10 years, parts
can wear out early and batteries die. To test your alarm, press and hold the
test button. A high-pitched and ear-piercing sound should come from the
detector if it is working properly. If this doesn’t happen or if the sound is
weak, it’s time to change the battery! Just make sure to use a new battery and
test the charge before you place it. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to
make sure there’s no dust blocking the grates and preventing smoke detection.
Testing your CO alarm’s battery and circuitry is a similar
process. Pressing the test button should set off a loud alarm. If your alarm
has replaceable batteries, switch them out every six months. The sensor should
also be tested with a CO tester spray sprayed at the alarm.
Check that your fire extinguisher is easily accessible and located near potential fire sources such
as the kitchen, garage, or near a fireplace. The extinguisher will usually come
with a tag to help you keep track of upkeep and inspection dates, but you can
make your own if not. Check the extinguisher’s gauge needle to make sure it’s
in the green zone, check that the hose and pin are in place, and make sure
there aren’t any dents or rust on the canister.
Filters
Many appliances around the house use filters to
trap impurities in the air around us. While neglecting to clean filters can
pose health and safety risks, they are all too often ignored until issues
arise! Here are some filters around the house to check on:
Furnace Filter: Replacing your furnace filter will keep air
flowing through your furnace, improve heating system efficiency, and help increase
your home’s air quality.
Dehumidifier: Often located in the basement, these filters
should be cleaned to improve air quality and the machine’s performance.
Whole House Water Filter: With time, efficiency and effectiveness
decreases and your water filter can become clogged, requiring replacement to
maintain proper water flow.
Vacuum Filter: Failing to change these filters will lead to
a counterproductive vacuum, losing suction and spewing dust back into the air.
Dryer Vent & Lint Catcher: Make sure these are clean to avoid potential fire hazard!
Drain your Water Heater
To remove sediment and
buildup in your water heater tank which can cause it to work harder and use
more energy, drain it every six to 12 months. Just make sure to turn off your
water heater a few hours before you begin to let the tank cool off to a safe
temperature!
Lighting
Now is a great time to stock up on light bulbs and
make sure you never get caught in the dark without backups! Make the switch to
LED bulbs if you haven’t yet for about 85% less energy use and 25x longer
product life. Take the energy efficiency further with dimmable bulbs for
customization and control over your home lighting and ambiance!
Batteries
Replenish your supply of batteries for devices around the house such as TV remotes, wireless mice, and flashlights.
