Don't Just Change Your Clocks for Daylight Savings Time—Check This, too
Turning back your clocks when daylight savings time ends is a great reminder to check the smoke detectors in your home.
Smoke alarms are easy to forget about. You don't notice them until a low battery starts chirping in the middle of the night. But waiting for that annoying beep isn't the best approach to keeping them in working order.
According to the American Red Cross, working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by half. That's a pretty compelling reason to spend a few minutes checking yours.
Here's what to check, when to change the batteries, and how to know if your smoke detector needs to be replaced entirely.
How to check your smoke detectors
Start by walking through your house and locating every smoke alarm. There should be one inside each bedroom, outside every separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnected alarms are especially helpful because when one sounds, they all sound.
Once you've located them, follow these steps:
Press the test button. Most smoke alarms have a clearly marked button on the front. Press and hold it as directed by the manufacturer until the alarm sounds. If nothing happens, check the battery or troubleshoot the alarm according to its instructions. Replace the unit if it still doesn't work.
Check for dust and debris. Dust can accumulate around the openings of a smoke alarm. Gently clean the exterior following the manufacturer's instructions. Don't spray cleaning products directly onto the unit.
Look at the manufacture date. Smoke alarms don't last forever. Check the date printed on the back or side of the unit. If it's 10 years old or older, replace the entire alarm, even if it still makes noise when you press the test button.
Should You Change Smoke Detector Batteries Every Six Months?
For traditional battery-powered smoke alarms that use replaceable 9-volt or AA batteries, changing them when daylight savings time begins and ends is a sensible habit. First Alert recommends replacing these batteries every six months, while federal fire safety guidance calls for replacement at least once a year.
It's also worth checking the backup batteries in hardwired smoke alarms. Just because an alarm connects to your home's electrical system doesn't necessarily mean it will work during a power outage. Many hardwired models rely on replaceable backup batteries, which also need regular attention.
However, not all smoke alarms require battery changes.
Newer models with sealed 10-year lithium batteries are designed to operate without battery replacement for the life of the alarm. You should still test them monthly, but don't attempt to open the sealed battery compartment. If one starts chirping because its battery is depleted or the unit has reached the end of its life, replace the entire alarm.
The safest approach is to follow the battery and replacement instructions for your specific model.
And don't ignore a chirping detector. It could be warning you about a low battery, a malfunction, or an alarm that's reached the end of its useful life.
Don't forget your carbon monoxide detectors
While you're checking smoke alarms, give your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors the same attention.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be produced by malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces. A working CO detector provides an important warning if dangerous levels build up in your home.
Press the test button on each detector and check its batteries if they're replaceable. Also verify the unit's age. Unlike smoke alarms, which generally need replacing after 10 years, CO detectors have different lifespans depending on the model, often five–10 years.
Check the manufacturer's instructions to determine when yours should be replaced.
4 Other Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle During Daylight Savings Time
Since you're already making the rounds checking smoke alarms, it's worth taking care of a few other jobs that are easy to put off. Some line up nicely with a six-month schedule, while others may need more frequent attention.
1. Change your HVAC air filters
Your heating and cooling system works hard throughout the year, and its air filter collects dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that can restrict airflow.
A dirty filter makes the system work harder than necessary, potentially increasing energy costs and putting added strain on the equipment.
Most standard HVAC filters need replacing every three months, depending on the type of filter, how often the system runs, and whether you have pets. So don't wait six months between changes unless your particular filter is rated for that interval.
At the very least, daylight saving time is a good reminder to pull out the filter and see what condition it's in.
2. Replace your refrigerator water filter
If your refrigerator has a built-in water dispenser or ice maker, there's a good chance it also has a replaceable water filter.
Many refrigerator manufacturers recommend changing these filters about every six months, making the spring and fall clock changes convenient reminders.
An overdue filter can become clogged, restricting water flow to the dispenser and ice maker. Replacement is usually straightforward, although the location and installation process vary by model.
Check your refrigerator's manual for the correct replacement schedule and compatible filter. If your fridge has a filter indicator light, don't ignore it.
3. Check your dryer vent
You probably clean the lint screen after every load of laundry, but when was the last time you checked the dryer vent?
Lint can accumulate in the exhaust duct and restrict airflow, creating a potential fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends cleaning dryer vent ductwork every year, and more frequent cleaning may be necessary if your dryer gets heavy use.
Use the time change as a reminder to inspect the vent, clear lint buildup, and make sure the exterior vent flap opens freely when the dryer is running. If the ductwork is difficult to access, consider hiring a professional.
4. Review your family's fire escape plan
Working smoke alarms are only part of the equation. Everyone in your household should also know what to do when an alarm sounds.
The American Red Cross recommends practicing your home fire escape plan at least twice a year, so daylight saving time is a natural reminder.
Make sure everyone knows two possible ways out of each room, how to get outside safely, and where to meet once they've escaped. It's especially important to practice with children and anyone who might need assistance.
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