By Samuetta Hill Drew
Seasonal change is just around the corner. This is reflected in the various retail store chains who have already begun displaying clothes, decorations, etc. for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
As was stated last week when the newest safety series was unveiled, psychologically people’s mindset is shifting from hot temperatures to cooler, even cold temperatures. With this shifting of one’s mindset, people begin looking at ways to protect and prepare their homes before daylight saving time changes back and temperatures drop. Using this time of year as your safety maintenance marker for home protection and preparation is wise.
A great place to begin is with your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends testing your smoke detectors once a month and replacing the batteries at least once a year. If your carbon monoxide alarms are separate from your smoke alarm, check those as well and change the batteries if necessary. This is also a good time to consider if you have placed the detectors appropriately and if they need to be replaced. Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should always be working properly so they can alert you in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Investment in a smart thermostat is something you may want to consider and have installed during your safety home maintenance protection and preparation check. Smart thermostats are another way of keeping your home safe. These not only optimize your home’s temperature but can also auto-adjust during colder months. Smart thermostats can even work with your smart detectors in the event of a fire, shutting down your home’s HVAC system to keep the fire contained. These devices can also be controlled via cell phone from anywhere that has cell service.
Draining your water heater is also good practice this time of year. Many people do not think about their water heater until something goes wrong. Bob Vila recommends you drain your water heater once a year. Doing so can help remove sediment that can cause clogs and prevents the water heater from running efficiently. Check your manufacturers’ directions on how to drain your water heater or contact a professional for help.
EnergyStar.gov recommends you reverse the motor on your ceiling fans so they operate in the clockwise direction, so you can enjoy energy savings. When the blades run in a clockwise direction, they force warm air that collects near the ceiling down into the living space. Circulating the air this way helps decrease the demand on your heating system, and it may allow you to lower the thermostat a degree or two while remaining comfortable.
Completing these tasks annually at this time of year provides you with enough time to complete all your tasks before the seasonal changes occur thereby allowing you to Keep an Eye on Safety for you and your loved ones.
