Daylight savings time ends this weekend, with Sunday, Nov. 5 marking the day you’ll wind your watch back—thereby “gaining” an hour in your day. Doing this (and maybe resetting the clock on your oven or in your car) takes just a few seconds, but there’s a lot to gain by extending your weekend to-do list. Syncing household chores to the start and end of daylight savings time is a great way to keep track of tasks that are supposed to get done twice a year, ensuring you remember to do things like, say, change out your smoke detector batteries.As we prepare to “fall back” this weekend, here’s a checklist of things to do each year when daylight savings time ends.Winter PrepClean gutters and inspect the roof: Check gutters for debris that can cause a pile up of snow and water in the winter months. While you’ve got the ladders out, check the roof for any damage or signs of leaks. Make sure the chimney cap is still in place, and have it replaced if not. Turn off outside hose bibs: While some homes have frost-free exterior faucets, homeowners who don’t should turn off outside water supplies and drain the lines to prepare for colder temperatures, as those lines can freeze and/or burst.Get an HVAC inspection: Summer is tough on a home’s heating and air conditioning systems. The end of daylight savings time is a perfect time between the use of summer air conditioning and winter heating to have a professional inspect your home’s HVAC system for any problems.SafetyCheck your fire extinguisher: At least once a year, it’s a good idea to check the gauge on your fire extinguisher to make sure it’s holding enough pressure. Also check its hose for signs of dry rot and make sure it’s not expired.Change smoke detector batteries: The batteries in all smoke detectors in your home should be changed every six months to ensure they’re operating correctly. Use daylight savings as a reminder to take care of this (and also restock your supply of 9-volt alkaline batteries, or whatever your smoke detector takes). Get your car serviced: To keep your vehicle running optimally, it’s a good idea to have it looked over by a mechanic twice a year. Having a professional top off your car’s fluids and check that it’s working properly can prevent problems down the road.CleaningDo a deep clean: Now’s the time to scrub and put away wood or vinyl patio furniture, close up your pool and stow any pool toys, stow gardening supplies and planters, even your grill. Consider doing a pass indoors, too, tackling zones with a lot buildup: Clean out all the dryer and air conditioner vents, dishwasher filters, and your range hood. Do some decluttering: The holidays are fast approaching, so consider going through high clutter areas like make-up drawers, pantries, closets and playrooms. Get rid of items you no longer use or need, wipe out the gunk, and feel completely rejuvenated. HealthSchedule any outstanding annual medical appointments: The end of daylight savings time means there’s only a few months left in 2023. If you’ve been putting off that yearly physical, mammogram, skin test or other checkup, use the time change as a reminder to hop on the phone and set them up.Get your pets checked out, too: If your pets haven’t visited the veterinarian for a checkup this year, set aside the time to take them in for a wellness check. Preventative care will save you (and them) stress in the long run.This article was produced by Week&, a publication under Hearst Newspapers, which is owned by the Hearst Corporation, the parent company of this station.
Daylight savings time ends this weekend, with Sunday, Nov. 5 marking the day you’ll wind your watch back—thereby “gaining” an hour in your day. Doing this (and maybe resetting the clock on your oven or in your car) takes just a few seconds, but there’s a lot to gain by extending your weekend to-do list. Syncing household chores to the start and end of daylight savings time is a great way to keep track of tasks that are supposed to get done twice a year, ensuring you remember to do things like, say, change out your smoke detector batteries.
As we prepare to “fall back” this weekend, here’s a checklist of things to do each year when daylight savings time ends.
Winter Prep
Clean gutters and inspect the roof: Check gutters for debris that can cause a pile up of snow and water in the winter months. While you’ve got the ladders out, check the roof for any damage or signs of leaks. Make sure the chimney cap is still in place, and have it replaced if not.
Turn off outside hose bibs: While some homes have frost-free exterior faucets, homeowners who don’t should turn off outside water supplies and drain the lines to prepare for colder temperatures, as those lines can freeze and/or burst.
Get an HVAC inspection: Summer is tough on a home’s heating and air conditioning systems. The end of daylight savings time is a perfect time between the use of summer air conditioning and winter heating to have a professional inspect your home’s HVAC system for any problems.
Safety
Check your fire extinguisher: At least once a year, it’s a good idea to check the gauge on your fire extinguisher to make sure it’s holding enough pressure. Also check its hose for signs of dry rot and make sure it’s not expired.
Change smoke detector batteries: The batteries in all smoke detectors in your home should be changed every six months to ensure they’re operating correctly. Use daylight savings as a reminder to take care of this (and also restock your supply of 9-volt alkaline batteries, or whatever your smoke detector takes).
Get your car serviced: To keep your vehicle running optimally, it’s a good idea to have it looked over by a mechanic twice a year. Having a professional top off your car’s fluids and check that it’s working properly can prevent problems down the road.
Cleaning
Do a deep clean: Now’s the time to scrub and put away wood or vinyl patio furniture, close up your pool and stow any pool toys, stow gardening supplies and planters, even your grill. Consider doing a pass indoors, too, tackling zones with a lot buildup: Clean out all the dryer and air conditioner vents, dishwasher filters, and your range hood.
Do some decluttering: The holidays are fast approaching, so consider going through high clutter areas like make-up drawers, pantries, closets and playrooms. Get rid of items you no longer use or need, wipe out the gunk, and feel completely rejuvenated.
Health
Schedule any outstanding annual medical appointments: The end of daylight savings time means there’s only a few months left in 2023. If you’ve been putting off that yearly physical, mammogram, skin test or other checkup, use the time change as a reminder to hop on the phone and set them up.
Get your pets checked out, too: If your pets haven’t visited the veterinarian for a checkup this year, set aside the time to take them in for a wellness check. Preventative care will save you (and them) stress in the long run.
This article was produced by Week&, a publication under Hearst Newspapers, which is owned by the Hearst Corporation, the parent company of this station.
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