Daylight saving time (or daylight savings time, as most of us say) is quickly approaching and as far as we're concerned, it can't come soon enough.
Even though the clocks are moving forward an hour on March 10 at 2 a.m., we'd gladly lose an hour of sleep to enjoy a little more daylight by Sunday evening.
Daylight saving time is a good time of year to take on some tasks around the home you otherwise might forget. Below, we list seven small tasks you should do whenever daylight saving time comes into effect. Starting with the most obvious...
1. Change Your Clocks
Unless all your clocks automatically change, you'll probably have to manually adjust some of the clocks in your home.
2. Deep Clean
There's no time like the present to start your spring cleaning. Follow the bi-annual daylight saving schedule to commence your spring and fall cleaning routines. It might be a little early to switch out your seasonal wardrobe, but imagine how nice it would be to pack away your greys and blacks in favour of more colourful clothing.
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3. Flip Your Mattress
To extend the life of your mattress, you should actually flip and rotate it multiple times a year. While you're at it, give your mattress a little love by vacuuming or steaming it to reduce your risk of bed bugs.
4. Replace Batteries
Test and replace the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year and replace alarm systems every 10 years.
READ: How To Use Lighting, Home-Tech And Electrical Properly For Your House (Many Homeowners Have It All Wrong)
5. Change Filters
Filters aren't made to last forever, so you need to clean and replace them on a regular basis. In addition to checking your furnace and air ducts, you'll also want to inspect your hood exhausts, bathroom exhausts, clothes dryers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, fridge water filters and vacuum compartments.
6. Restock Emergency Kits
Since you don't use them often, it can be easy to forget all about your first-aid kit. Use daylight saving time as a reminder to check and restock your pack. Not only do items expire, but you might also want to consider packing your kit with seasonal items. The spring brings more opportunities for scratches and stings, while winter months require items like blankets, towels and matches.
7. Seal Up Air Leaks
Insulation isn't only a winter issue. During the warmer months, proper insulation can help keep cool air in too. Poor home insulation can decrease the value of your home. According to Vahid Azari of All Season Inspection, old heaters can decrease your home's value by 10 per cent, while poor attic and window insulation can decrease the value by five and 15 per cent, respectively.
Whether you're listing your home, or planning to live there long-term, an energy audit can help identify energy loss, ultimately saving you money.
