Most of the United States will set its clock back one hour, effectively “gaining” 60 minutes this fall just in time to get some last minute home improvement projects done around the house before the cold weather of winter sets in. You surely can’t do all these things in an hour, but you can definitely get a couple of them done and rest a little easier knowing that your house is that much more efficient and healthier. We can start with the interior
Interior Home Projects
1. Change smoke detector batteries – This is the classic daylight savings time activity and many fire departments and other organizations around the country actually give away batteries this weekend just so people remember to do it. A simple smoke detector is one of the best ways you can keep your family safe in the event of a fire.
2. Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector – Many smoke detectors can also detect carbon monoxide, a deadly but odorless gas. My home actually has both right next to each other in one of my stairwells. And, yes, they both take AA batteries.
3. Change the batteries in your electronic thermostat – Don’t worry, this entire list isn’t going to be about changing batteries. An electronic thermostat can save you hundreds of dollars each year by automatically lowering your heat at the times of the day when you aren’t typically home. Most thermostats have low battery indicators but it’s a good idea to change them out before you’re stuck in that big snowstorm with no chance of running out to the store to get a fresh pair of batteries. Don’t have an electronic thermostat? Get one!
4. Check the pressure level on your fire extinguisher – You should always have at least a small fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen. They’re relatively inexpensive and could save your home. But they don’t last forever and they do lose pressure over time.
5. Check and replace flashlight batteries – More battery checks! Find those emergency flashlights and replace the batteries before you need to stumble around for them in the dark. Even better, pick up a battery-free flashlight and never worry about having to spend money on flashlight batteries again!
