There are still a couple more weeks until November 7, the day we fall back an hour, when it really feels like winter is setting in.
It’s the day when we must change our smoke detector batteries. But did you know there are other chores we need to take care of when we turn back the clocks? Many of the projects I’ve tackled in this column should be done at this time of year. I figure I should start early to make sure everything gets done.
Along with the smoke detector batteries, if your carbon monoxide detector isn’t hardwired you should change those batteries, too.
If you have a furnace, you should change the filter now. Avista’s website has a Furnace Filter Program page that can help you set reminders to change the filter, get coupons for furnace filters or sign up for regular deliveries of filters if you like.
I will check my dryer vent to make sure that’s clean—this chore can both improve how well my dryer works and cut down on fire hazards.
The dust on my refrigerator coils is probably starting to build up again, so I will pop the kick plate off the bottom of my fridge and vacuum it.
The time change is always a good time to remember to take care of these chores. I wonder how we will remind ourselves of when to do them if we ever move to permanent daylight savings.
Lisa, an Avista customer, bought her 1910 house because she loved the old-world character, some of which doesn’t make her house very energy efficient. Lisa is sharing her experience on taking some simple do-it-yourself improvements to inspire others to do the same. You’ll find her stories right here every Tuesday.