Ten Things to do Around the House as you Fall Back

It’s time to fall back! 

On the first Sunday in November, Daylight Saving Time ends and the clocks "fall back" one hour. This happens at 2 a.m., so you should turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday evening.

Here are some things to do around the house when falling back:

• Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.  Hardwired detectors have batteries that need to be replaced. Keep your family safe.
• Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check the batteries in your thermostat.  This is the last thing you want to fail you on a cold night…..trust me I know!
• Check the batteries in your flashlights, and make sure they are stored in a convenient place. You want to be able to find them if the lights go out.
• Change the filters in your furnace, this helps in efficiency as well as filtering out dust.
• Have a professional come in and inspect your heating and cooling system.  Preventative maintenance can go a long way.
• Change to energy efficient bulbs. If you haven’t done this already, it’s time.  They cost a little more money, but they last much longer and use less energy!
• Check your fire extinguisher – make sure it ready should you need to use it
• Clean your fireplace and inspect your chimney.  Make sure it is ready and safe for the season.
• Chances of a snow/ice storm like we had in January happening again is pretty slim, but I think we can all agree that buying sand or salt when you don’t need it is a good idea. Better to have it and not need it, than run all over town chasing something elusive.
• Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!