Sunday, November 1, 2020, it’s time to “Fall Back” one hour with Daylight Savings Time!
Setting the clock back an hour means it’s time for a seasonal safety check! As you circle the house preparing for Daylight Savings Time by setting the clocks back, you can SAVE time with this short safety checklist. It’ll launch you into Fall and Winter from a safe home.
Change The Clocks, Change The Batteries, Change the Bulbs
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save lives … if they’re powered on by a fresh battery. Safety experts recommend replacing smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries twice a year. They also advise you to replace the unit entirely every 7-10 years. Brothers stocks and recommends combo units for added safety. Also, Check the furnace thermostat and change the time setting. Chances are, you’ll have stepladders out to reach smoke detectors and clocks, so double up on safety (and energy savings) by checking light bulbs and light fixtures. Consider replacing conventional bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. The U.S. Environmental Protection estimates that replacing standard bulbs with energy-efficient ones saves over $30 in electricity costs over their lifetime.
Check Your Sump Pump(s)
Check to make sure your sump pump is working by making sure that you don’t have standing water in the pit that is above the height of the pump and that you have a battery backup in case the power goes out. Remember, Fall and Winter in Colorado can be very wet seasons, so you want to make sure your home is protected.
Replace or Clean Filters Around Your House
You should inspect the filters in your HVAC unit to make your systems are still running well, but also check the water filter in your fridge and HEPA filter in your vacuum. This is also a great time to get your HVAC system checked for safety. Brothers 33-point safety check toughly evaluates your system to make sure you are running efficiently and also to make sure your system will continue to run safely for your family.
Reverse Direction of Fan Blades
As the weather cools down, don’t forget to change the direction of your ceiling fan blades. In the winter, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise at low speed to pull cold air up. As you start to use your air conditioner, you should turn the blade in a counterclockwise or “forward” direction to redistribute warm air, which naturally rises to the top of the ceiling.
Outside Faucets
Make sure you disconnect your outside faucets after each use. Check faucets and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely. If an outdoor faucet drips or if there is leakage inside your home the first time the hose is turned on, you may have had a frozen pipe that cracked and needs to be replaced. If you see your lawn drying out now would be an excellent time for some relaxing hand watering instead of relying on a sprinkler system.
Inspect Your Water Heater
Check to make sure you don’t see any visible cracks or leaks and that there is no water on the floor or standing in the drip pan. If you do not see any signs of trouble, then you can shut it off or put it into vacation mode.
Schedule Your Furnace Safety Check
Now is a perfect time to get your annual furnace safety check scheduled. Secure your appointment now, and make sure your home is ready for Daylight Savings Time and the Colorado winter.
If needed, we can help you get your Day Light Savings Time “To-Do List” …. done! Give us a call at 303.468.2294 or visit www.BrothersPlumbing.com to schedule today!
