As we prepare to change our clocks again, as we do twice a year-it is also a great time to take care of two simple maintenance task. Taking care of both of these will also insure you are a little bit safer.

I am referring to you checking your smoke detector batteries and changing your furnace filter. Not only will this effect your safety but it will also impact the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling systems. Both of which can be expensive to repair if proper maintenance is not taking place.

It is important and here is how you can make it a habit every time you spring your clock forward or fall back.

Why check your smoke detector battery?

You want to check them because they are the first line of defense in the event of a fire. According to the NFPA Nation Fire Protection Agency, the risk of dying in a home fire, can be cut significantly when working smoke alarms or in place. A smoke detector with a dead battery is the same as having no smoke detector at all.

Do not wait for your detector to start beeping to notify you of a low battery. Someone may have disconnected it while cooking or your detector could be faulty. You want to make the effort to deliberately test and check your detector yourself. Do this even if you have purchased a long term, 10- year detector.

Why Change your Furnace Air Filter?

Your furnace air filter is responsible for catching dirt and dust and preventing it from circulating through your home. Over time your filter gets full and clogged, much like a clothes dryer filter. When your filter gets full it makes it difficult for your furnace to push air through its system. This can cause higher energy bills and reduce your quality of air.

Twice a Year Reminder

An easy way to remember to do these tasks is to link them with something that most people will be doing anyway. We will be changing our clocks to and from daylight savings time twice a year. You are reminded about the time change by most calendars and sometimes by your local news channels. So when you “spring forward” in March and you “fall back” in November with your clocks, take the time to check your detectors and your furnace filters.

Don’t leave safety and comfort in your home to chance. Make it a habit to follow these steps to prevent disaster and improve air quality all year long.