Daylight Savings Fall Home Checklist

We’re about to change our clocks again!  The first Sunday of November Daylight Savings Time ends, and we “Fall Back”.   This means that we gain an extra hour of sleep by setting our clocks back one hour.  It is also a perfect opportunity to prepare your home for the fall and winter months ahead.  Check out our Fall Daylight Saving home checklist for helpful home tips.

Fall Daylight Saving Checklist

Turn your clocks back

With all of our smart devices changing the time automatically it can be easy to forget about the clocks around the house that you have to change manually.  We recommend setting your wall clocks, stove, microwave, and alarm clocks back an hour before going to bed Saturday night.  It will make for a seamless transition Sunday morning and you’ll be glad that all of the electronics and house clocks are displaying the correct time.

Change your Batteries

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends changing the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors every 6 months.  Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors help keep you and your family safe.  By getting in the habit of replacing the batteries during Daylight Savings Time you can ensure they’re working properly.   This is also a great opportunity to replace the batteries in your remote controls and flashlights. 

Reverse your ceiling fans

With the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder remember to set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise.  Reversing your ceiling fans can help keep you warmer during the fall and winter months, plus it can help you save energy and lower your utility costs.  It is also a good idea to check all of your indoor and outdoor lightbulbs and have extras on hand.

Get your furnace ready for winter

It’s very important to take a look at your furnace and make sure it is winter-ready.  Of course, it is always best to have a professional clean and inspect your furnace, there are still some steps you can do yourself to make sure everything is working correctly.

• Cover your AC condenser
• Remove any household items that are near the furnace, especially ones that can easily catch fire.  You may also want to remove any furniture or other household items that are in front of or sitting on top of your return vents and air ducts.
• Turn on the thermostat
• Test the igniter switch
• Change the furnace filter + stock up on extras for the winter months ahead

Stock up on cold and flu season essentials

Getting ready for the cold and flu season is a bit different this year.  With cases of COVID-19 rising keeping you and your family healthy and at home has never been more important.  Flu prevention and limiting trips to the store can mean all the difference.  Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for the upcoming season.

• Get a flu shot
• Stock up on hand soap, Lysol/Clorox wipes, laundry detergent, paper towels, and toilet paper
• Be sure you have an adequate supply of your prescription drugs, supplements, and other over the counter cold and flu medicines. 
• Have a working thermometer

• Restock your first aid and 72-hour kits.

   

·