The Most Crucial Safety Inspection to Do When the Clocks Fall Back

When daylight saving time ends and you turn your clocks back, it is also a smart moment to check the smoke detectors throughout your home.

Smoke alarms are easy to overlook. Most people only think about them when a weak battery starts chirping in the middle of the night. But waiting for that irritating sound is not the best way to keep them functioning properly.

According to the American Red Cross, working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. That makes a few minutes spent inspecting them well worth it.

Here is what to examine, when batteries should be replaced, and how to tell when a smoke detector needs to be changed out completely.

How to check your smoke detectors

Begin by walking through your home and finding every smoke alarm. There should be one in each bedroom, outside every separate sleeping area, and on every level of the house, including the basement. Interconnected alarms are especially useful because when one goes off, they all do.

After you have located them, take these steps:

1. Press the test button. Most smoke alarms have a clearly marked button on the front. Press and hold it as the manufacturer directs until the alarm sounds. If nothing happens, check the battery or troubleshoot the unit using the instructions. Replace it if it still does not work.
2. Check for dust and debris. Dust can gather around the openings of a smoke alarm. Clean the outside gently according to the manufacturer's directions. Do not spray cleaning products directly onto the unit.
3. Look at the manufacture date. Smoke alarms do not last forever. Check the date printed on the back or side of the unit. If it is 10 years old or more, replace the entire alarm, even if it still sounds when tested.

Do Smoke Detector Batteries Need to Be Replaced Every Six Months?

For traditional battery-powered smoke alarms that use replaceable 9-volt or AA batteries, changing them when the clocks change is a practical habit. First Alert recommends replacing these batteries every six months, while federal fire safety guidance calls for replacement at least once a year.

It is also a good idea to inspect the backup batteries in hardwired smoke alarms. Even if an alarm is connected to your home's electrical system, it may not work during a power outage. Many hardwired models rely on backup batteries that also need periodic attention.

However, not every smoke alarm needs a battery change.

Newer models with sealed 10-year lithium batteries are built to run for the full life of the alarm without battery replacement. You should still test them monthly, but do not try to open the sealed battery compartment. If one starts chirping because the battery is depleted or the unit has reached the end of its life, replace the entire alarm.

The safest approach is to follow the battery and replacement instructions for your specific model.

And do not ignore a chirping detector. It could be signaling a low battery, a malfunction, or an alarm that has reached the end of its useful life.

Do not forget your carbon monoxide detectors

While you are checking smoke alarms, give your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors the same attention.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be produced by malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces. A working CO detector gives an important warning if dangerous levels build up in your home.

Press the test button on each detector and check the batteries if they can be replaced. Also verify the unit's age. Unlike smoke alarms, which generally need replacement after 10 years, CO detectors have different lifespans depending on the model, often five to 10 years.

Check the manufacturer's instructions to find out when yours should be replaced.

4 Other Home Maintenance Tasks to Handle During Daylight Saving Time

Since you are already moving through the house checking smoke alarms, it makes sense to handle a few other jobs that are easy to put off. Some fit neatly into a six-month routine, while others may need attention more often.

1. Change your HVAC air filters

Your heating and cooling system works hard all year, and its air filter traps dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that can restrict airflow.

A dirty filter forces the system to work harder than necessary, which can raise energy costs and add strain to the equipment.

Most standard HVAC filters need to be replaced every three months, depending on the filter type, how often the system runs, and whether you have pets. So do not wait six months between changes unless your specific filter is rated for that interval.

At the very least, the clock change is a useful reminder to pull out the filter and see what condition it is in.

2. Replace your refrigerator water filter

If your refrigerator has a built-in water dispenser or ice maker, there is a good chance it also has a replaceable water filter.

Many refrigerator manufacturers recommend changing these filters about every six months, which makes the spring and fall clock changes convenient reminders.

An overdue filter can become clogged and limit water flow to the dispenser and ice maker. Replacement is usually simple, although the location and installation process vary by model.

Check your refrigerator manual for the right replacement schedule and compatible filter. If your fridge has a filter indicator light, do not ignore it.

3. Check your dryer vent

You probably clean the lint screen after every load of laundry, but when was the last time you checked the dryer vent?

Lint can build up in the exhaust duct and restrict airflow, creating a potential fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends cleaning dryer vent ductwork every year, and more frequent cleaning may be needed if your dryer sees heavy use.

Use the clock change as a reminder to inspect the vent, remove lint buildup, and make sure the exterior vent flap opens freely when the dryer is running. If the ductwork is difficult to reach, consider hiring a professional.

4. Review your family's fire escape plan

Working smoke alarms are only part of the equation. Everyone in your household should also know what to do when an alarm sounds.

The American Red Cross recommends practicing your home fire escape plan at least twice a year, so the clock change is a natural reminder.

Make sure everyone knows two possible exits from each room, how to get outside safely, and where to meet after escaping. It is especially important to practice with children and anyone who may need assistance.