10 Things To Do When You Set Your Clocks Back

Alicia is sharing a list of tasks that you can do when you set your clocks back to standard time to keep your home safe and running efficiently.

Mark your calendars because Daylight Saving Time is almost over.  This year Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 5th when the majority of the United States will be “falling back” as they change the clocks back to standard time.  However, if you live in Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands, you don’t have to worry about changing the time because these regions do not change the time for Daylight Saving Time.

One benefit of the time change is that it reminds you to take care of some other important home tasks that should be done at least twice a year. So while you are marking your calendars to set your clocks back, make a plan to take care of these other important tasks in your home.

10 Things To Do When You Set Your Clocks Back

• Replace the batteries in your Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector.  Make sure to replace and test these devices twice a year.  Make sure to help any elderly loved ones in your life as well.  If they can’t do it on their own, many fire departments have programs that will assist them.

• Reverse the direction on your ceiling fan.  In the Fall, switch the direction to clockwise which helps pull down the warm air that gets trapped near the ceiling. In the Spring fan blades should rotate counter-clockwise to help cool down the rooms. Both of these measures help save cost on heating and cooling.

• Flip and rotate your mattress to help promote even wear and tear.  Unless you have a no flip mattress.  Then just rotate it.

• Schedule a furnace inspection.  This should be done prior to winter to make sure your furnace is running as efficiently as possible.

• Replace the filters in your heater and air conditioner. This should actually be done several times a year to ensure they run as efficiently as possible.

• If you have a fireplace, scheduled a chimney sweep in the Fall and in the Spring take some time to clean up the fireplace and brush down the walls.

• Drain your water heater.  It is recommended that you drain one quart of water from your water heater every three months.  Make sure to check the owner’s manual for your water heater for further recommendations and how to drain the water correctly.

• Go through your medicine cabinet and first aid kit and discard any expired or discolored products.  Dispose of any prescription medication that is expired or no longer needed.  You can search on FDA.gov for how to safely dispose of medications.

• Go through your pantry and dispose of any expired or stale/opened foods.

• Changing the clocks is also a good time to start rotating your wardrobe.  If you haven’t already, pull out your winter clothes and inspect them for damage and wear and tear.  Make a list of winter items that you and your family will need. If you have clothes you know longer wear put them aside for a garage sale or donate them.  Pack away summer clothes for next year.

These are just a few suggestions of home preparedness tasks that should be done at least twice a year.  Plan to tackle one or two items a day in the days leading up to the time change and then you will be ready for the next seasons to start.

Do you have a list of task you do when you change the clocks?  What tasks would you add to this list?

More Household Tips:

• How to Save On Your Electric Bill
• 5 Ways to Make Your Home Energy Efficient
• How to Save Money on Utilities in the Winter
• 5 Frugal Ways to Winterize Your Home

Alicia can be found on her blog Moms Don’t Say That where she shares recipes, tips, and musings from her life.