It’s time to fall back! Daylight saving ends this weekend. Did you know the time change has an impact on more than just your sleep cycle? There are also considerations to make around your home a few times a year. Here’s a solid checklist of things you should do around your home to get ready for the colder seasons.
Change your clocks, change your smoke detector batteries
The time change is a good reminder to also change the batteries on your smoke detector. While you’ve got the cover off changing out the battery, check your smoke detector’s expiration date. Yes, smoke detectors DO expire and it could have an impact on your home insurance policy. If your smoke detectors are expired, call your trusted electrician at Walker, to help swap them for an up to date model.

Biannual maintenance on your heating and air system
Your home’s heating and air system needs to have a tune up twice a year. Since Daylight Saving Time begins in the spring and ends in the fall, the time change serves as a great reminder to call your HVAC company to do your biannual maintenance. Walker Air, Plumbing & Electric is happy to help with your safety inspection and tune-up. Getting this done regularly will save on expensive repairs in the future.
Change your HVAC Air Filters
While you’re changing your clocks, it’s a good time to swap out the air filters for your HVAC system. You should change your air filter monthly, but we can all fall behind on these types of things. If you’re forgetful, set an alarm on your phone to remind you or subscribe to an auto renewal shipment through Amazon, Walmart or any online retailer. If you have a filter on hand at the time of your seasonal maintenance, your Walker HVAC expert will be happy to swap them out at no cost to you.

Check outdoor plumbing
Fall and the end of Daylight Saving Time means cooler temperatures. Bitterly cold weather can be bad for your outdoor plumbing. While you’re changing the clock back, go ahead and detach hoses from outdoor spigots and make sure they’re turned off. It sounds simple, but if a cold blast comes through water could freeze inside the hose and cause your pipes to burst. You can also put foam covers over your outdoor faucets to protect them from the freeze.

Drain your water heater
Did you know homeowners need to drain their water heaters as part of regular home maintenance? A lot of times water heaters are out of sight, out of mind unless you run out of hot water. Minerals and other sediments build up and can cause strain on the water heater as water flows through the system. If you’re not comfortable with draining your water heater, a professional plumber can do the dirty work for you.

Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric can help you with any of these important seasonal maintenance chores. Call 479-900-0784 or schedule online.