Daylight savings means turning the clocks forward to enjoy an extra hour of sunlight at the end of every day. Since the clock change happens around the same time every year, it’s also a good cue to take care of other things that can get your home ready for spring. Here are some tips:
- Turn your mattress.
Mattresses last longer when the wear on them is even. Try spinning them in the spring and flipping them in the fall. (If you have a pillow top model, just give it another spin when the clocks change again.)
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Whenever you change your clocks, test your alarms; there is typically a button that you can use to ensure that they are still in working order. Many people also choose to change the batteries at this time. Use the old batteries in something less critical to the safety of the household. If your smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors are more than 10 years old, you should also take this opportunity to replace them.
- Clean your dryer vent.
Whether you take on this task yourself or hire a professional, your dryer vent should be cleaned at least once a year. Lint can build up inside the hoses, leading to risk of fire. By taking care of this now, you can also enjoy better performance all year long.
- Replace all your filters.
The air conditioning, dishwasher, vacuum, and other appliances filters should be changed regularly to extend the life of the units. If you’ve fallen behind on filter maintenance, take this task on now. Filters should be changed more during the months they are used most; for instance, in the months that your air conditioner is used often, the AC filter should be changed once a month.
- Inspect your gutters.
Between snow, twigs, and falling leaves, your gutters get a workout in the winter. In the spring, take some time to clear out everything that has accumulated and ensure that the gutters are in good working shape. Clogs or leaks can mean that water is not being effectively directed away from your home, leaving your house vulnerable to water damage.
- Inspect your water heater.
Ensure that your water heater is set to 120 degrees. Look for signs of leaks and fatigue. If the manufacturer guide suggests it, drain the water heater to rid it of sediment. (How often it should be drained depends on the model and how much it is used.)
Knowing that you have done what is needed to keep your home safe can provide peace of mind. Not to mention the considerable savings to keep pricey appliances in optimum working order. Taking a bit of time now can mean smoother operation of your household all year long.
