As we prepare to change our clocks again, as we do twice a year, it is also a great time to take care of two simple maintenance tasks. Taking care of both will help keep you a little bit safer.
I am talking about checking your smoke detector batteries and changing your furnace filter. Both affect your safety, and both affect how efficiently your home’s heating and cooling systems run. Those systems can be expensive to repair when routine maintenance is skipped.
Here is why each one matters, and how to make it a habit every time you spring forward or fall back.
Why check your smoke detector battery?
Smoke detectors are your first line of defense in a home fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms significantly reduce the risk of dying in a home fire. A smoke detector with a dead battery is the same as having no smoke detector at all.
Don’t wait for the detector to start chirping to tell you the battery is low. Someone may have disconnected it while cooking, or the unit itself could be faulty. Make the effort to press the test button and check each detector yourself, even if you bought a long-life 10-year model.
Quick checklist
- Press and hold the test button on every detector until it sounds.
- Replace batteries in any detector that is weak or silent.
- Replace detectors that are 10 years old or older (the date is usually printed on the back).
- If you cannot safely reach the ceiling, ask a family member, neighbor or your local fire department for help. Many fire departments offer free smoke alarm checks for older adults.
Why change your furnace air filter?
Your furnace filter catches dust and dirt so it doesn’t circulate through your home. Over time the filter fills up and clogs, much like a clothes dryer lint trap. A full filter makes your furnace work harder to push air through the system, which can raise energy bills and lower your indoor air quality.
Check the filter size printed on its edge, keep a spare on hand, and replace it at least every time the clocks change. Homes with pets, allergies or heavy use may need a new filter more often.
The twice-a-year reminder
The easiest way to remember these tasks is to link them to something you already do. We change our clocks for daylight saving time twice a year, and calendars and local news remind us when it happens. So when you spring forward in March and fall back in November, take a few minutes to test your detectors and change your furnace filter.
Don’t leave safety and comfort in your home to chance. Make it a habit, prevent a disaster, and breathe cleaner air all year long.