Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, and the time change is a great opportunity to tackle some often-forgotten projects around the home. Here are 10 things you may want to do while springing forward this weekend.
Change Your Clocks
The most obvious project is to change your clocks. While many devices, such as phones, computers, tablets, and smart devices, automatically update the time, there are many items in your home that will need a manual update. Your microwave, stove, thermostat, wall clocks, alarm clocks, watches, and anything else with an analog clock on it will need to be changed. Also, don’t forget your car’s clock(s), which for the most part do not update on their own. Daylight Saving Time officially starts at 2am on Sunday morning, but to make sure you’re not late to anything planned Sunday, change your clocks before you go to bed Saturday night.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Manufacturers recommend you check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries twice a year, so time changes are the perfect time to take care of this task. Swap out the batteries in each detector, then press the test button to make sure it is functioning properly. Follow the manufacturer instructions for changing batteries and testing the unit. You can also check out our video on changing the batteries here. While you are checking the detectors, this is also a great time to clean it and make sure there is not dust and dirt built up that could cause it to malfunction.
Drain Water Heater
Traditional, tank water heaters should be regularly drained to prevent sediment build-up that can reduce the efficiency of the water heater and cause damage to the tank. Draining the tank regularly can extend the life of your water heater. Your owner’s manual will have information on how to drain your tank. HGTV also has a helpful step-by-step guide here. If you do not feel comfortable handling this yourself, hire a professional to do the service.
If you have a tankless water heater, you do not need to drain it, but there is regular maintenance that should be done on it. If it has been more than a year since you had your water heater serviced, now is a good time to get that scheduled. It is best to have a professional service your tankless water heater in order to not void any warranties on it.
Check Your Gutters
Spring time means rain storms, and you need your gutters ready for the extra water. Check the gutters and make sure they are free of debris and allow water to freely flow through. If the gutters are full of dead leaves, snow, and other debris, be sure to clean them out before the start of the rainy season. When gutters are full and don’t allow water to drain properly, gutters will overflow and water will run along the sides of your home, which can cause damage to your exterior and foundation and can lead to flooding.
Clean Dryer Vents
The U.S. Fire Administration estimates there are about 2,900 clothes dryer fires each year. Preventing such a disaster in your home is as easy as cleaning out your vents. Pull your dryer out from the wall, unplug it, and disconnect the dryer duct from the wall. Then use your vacuum to suck out any lint that is trapped inside the vent. You can also find duct cleaning kits at home improvement stores that will help with the process. It is also a good idea to find the vent on the exterior of the home and clean out any lint that may be trapped at that end.
Reverse Your Fans
If you changed your fans to spin clockwise for the winter months, reverse them so they spin counter-clockwise for spring and summer.
HVAC Filters
Hopefully, you are changing filters in your HVAC until regularly, but if it’s been a while since you’ve done this, now is a good time to do it. A dirty filter reduces air quality in your home, and it can cause damage to your system. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s literature on maintenance of your HVAC system. We also have a helpful video on our YouTube channel about changing filters. If it’s been a while since you’ve dusted and cleaned registers in your home, you may want to do that now as well.
Clean Out Kitchen Pantry and Refrigerator
How old is the food in your pantry and refrigerator? If you haven’t checked expiration dates recently, add this to your to-do list while changing clocks. Get rid of anything that has expired.
Flip or Rotate Your Mattresses
You should flip or rotate your mattresses twice a year, making this a great project for the time changes. Flipping or rotating a mattress helps prevent irregular wear/make sure weight is distributed evenly and helps extend the life of the mattress. While flipping or rotating, remove all bedding and vacuum the mattress to remove any dirt and dust from it. And, you haven’t washed pillows or comforters in a while, removing the bedding to flip or rotate your mattress provides the opportune time to do so.
Check Your Emergency Kit
It’s been about two years since the 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit the Salt Lake Valley, reminding us all that earthquakes and natural disasters are a definite possibility in our area. Another great project for the time change is tackling your emergency kit. If you haven’t put one together yet, get going on it. Ready.gov has details on what to include in your kit, as well as tips on maintaining and storing it. Click here for their guide. If you already have a kit together, go through it and see what items may need to be replaced due to expiring, as well as if there is anything that is missing and needs to be added.
Looking for your dream home? Liberty Homes has been building new homes in Utah for nearly 30 years. We take pride in our trade, crafting each home as if it were our own. Our quality, affordable homes are energy smart and thoughtfully personalized for your active Utah lifestyle. We currently have townhomes available in Salt Lake County. Contact us today to get started building your new home.
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