This weekend marks the start of Daylight Saving Time when we “spring forward” and set our clocks ahead. The result is a later sunset and more time to enjoy the daylight hours during the warmer months of the year. While many of the clocks we rely on – our phones, computers and cable boxes – will adjust automatically, don’t forget to change any analog clocks one hour ahead before going to sleep Saturday night.
In addition, Daylight Saving Time should serve as a twice-yearly reminder to complete some important household tasks. The one we all have probably heard before is ensuring your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and have fresh batteries.
It’s also a good idea to use Daylight Saving as a reminder to do these other things:
Flip your mattress to make sure it wears evenly, and wash your pillows to rid them of oils from your face, dead skin and dust mites that accumulate over time.
In the kitchen, run your oven’s self-cleaning function and clean your refrigerator’s coils to keep it running efficiently.
Take stock of your medicine cabinet and pantry, throwing out anything that is expired. Replenish basic supplies and make sure your emergency kit is stocked with flashlight batteries and first-aid supplies.
Inspect the filters in your heating and air-conditioning units, the water filter in your fridge and the HEPA filter in your vacuum. While you’re at it, vacuum out your dryer’s vent and ducts to help prevent fire.
