Sticky notes, white boards, iPhone reminders, and my wife all help me to remember the important things I need to do. Well this is a quick reminder of what we need to do around our homes as we prepare to “fall” back one hour. These are all simple tasks that could all be accomplished in less than 30 minutes and need to happen a couple of times a year. I recommend to my clients that they go through this checklist as the time changes each year so they do not have to worry about them the rest of the year.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries and test their operation. Most of these require the square 9-volt batteries so grab a pack when you are at Costco or the grocery store. There are some new detectors I have seen for sale that do not need a battery change for ten years – please be sure to test their proper operation.
Furnace filters. If you have disposable furnace filters it is time to take out the old ones and put new ones in – they cost about $25 for a two pack. If you a have reusable one, wash in the sink or with the hose and let it dry before returning to the air intake. If you have an electronic filter, turn off the power before washing out the screens and cartridges. Having a hard time locating your furnace filter? Give me a call or text and I would be glad to help you figure out where it might be!
Bulb replacement. Remember that bulb by the driveway, in the entry chandelier and bathroom vanity? Let’s get those taken care of now so we can combat the Seattle gray and shorter days with some mood brightening light
Vegetation survey. Walk around the perimeter of your house and check for clearance with your siding and nearby trees, bushes and vegetation. Ivy is a real annoyance around my house so I have to usually pull away the vines that are starting to creep close. Trim vegetation back and carefully look for signs of pests at the foundation and on the siding. This is also a good time to do what I call a “ground level gutter check“.
Bathroom caulk. This is a small thing that will save you money and headaches later! Check the bead of caulk at the base of your tub/shower and flooring. If this is peeling or failing re-caulk so moisture does not get under your flooring materials. I’ve repeatedly seen where the vinyl flooring has begun to lift up. From personal experience I can say it is almost impossible to repair and make look new again.
Kitchen fume hood screens. Wash these to improve the air flow and keep these from being overwhelmed by grease. Hot soapy water with a scrub brush or a run through the pots/pans cycle of the dishwasher should do the job.
Crawlspace cover closed. If applicable, be sure your crawlspace cover is properly closed. Rodents love to find warm spaces for the winter months so be sure there are no gaps present.
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Sticky notes, white boards, iPhone reminders, and my wife all help me to remember the important things I need to do. Well this is a quick reminder of what we need to do around our homes as we prepare to “fall” back one hour. These are all simple tasks that could all be accomplished in less than 30 minutes and need to happen a couple of times a year. I recommend to my clients that they go through this checklist as the time changes each year so they do not have to worry about them the rest of the year.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries and test their operation. Most of these require the square 9-volt batteries so grab a pack when you are at Costco or the grocery store. There are some new detectors I have seen for sale that do not need a battery change for ten years – please be sure to test their proper operation.
Furnace filters. If you have disposable furnace filters it is time to take out the old ones and put new ones in – they cost about $25 for a two pack. If you a have reusable one, wash in the sink or with the hose and let it dry before returning to the air intake. If you have an electronic filter, turn off the power before washing out the screens and cartridges. Having a hard time locating your furnace filter? Give me a call or text and I would be glad to help you figure out where it might be!
Vegetation survey. Walk around the perimeter of your house and check for clearance with your siding and nearby trees, bushes and vegetation. Ivy is a real annoyance around my house so I have to usually pull away the vines that are starting to creep close. Trim vegetation back and carefully look for signs of pests at the foundation and on the siding. This is also a good time to do what I call a “ground level gutter check“.
Bathroom caulk. This is a small thing that will save you money and headaches later! Check the bead of caulk at the base of your tub/shower and flooring. If this is peeling or failing re-caulk so moisture does not get under your flooring materials. I’ve repeatedly seen where the vinyl flooring has begun to lift up. From personal experience I can say it is almost impossible to repair and make look new again.
Kitchen fume hood screens. Wash these to improve the air flow and keep these from being overwhelmed by grease. Hot soapy water with a scrub brush or a run through the pots/pans cycle of the dishwasher should do the job.
