Daylight savings time is the perfect opportunity to renew your home for the coming season. From thermostat adjustment to outdoor preparation, use this checklist to keep your house safe, cozy, and efficient all year round.
Change Clocks
The most obvious task: don’t forget to adjust clocks that don’t change automatically, including those on kitchen appliances, car dashboards, and thermostats. It’s also a good idea to confirm that smart home systems are synced correctly to the new time.
Update Home Lighting
With earlier sunsets in the fall, consider adding task lighting or dimmable bulbs to brighten your home and create a cozy evening atmosphere. Strategic lighting can help reduce the impact of losing natural light, improving both functionality and ambiance.
Outdoor Lighting Check
As the days grow shorter, inspect outdoor lights, security lights, and timers to ensure they are properly set for the season. Well-placed lighting not only enhances curb appeal but also improves safety by illuminating walkways and entrances.
Thermostat Adjustments
Changing daylight means changing routines, making this the perfect time to update your thermostat settings for optimal comfort and efficiency. As cooler weather arrives in the fall, adjusting your heating schedule can help maintain a cozy home while keeping energy bills in check.
Maximize Morning Light
Brighten your mornings by pulling back curtains, adding mirrors, or incorporating light-colored decor to reflect natural sunlight throughout your home. These simple changes can make mornings feel fresher and boost your mood, especially during darker seasons.
Outdoor Prep
Before daylight hours shorten, complete any remaining outdoor maintenance projects, such as cleaning gutters or storing patio furniture. Take advantage of any good weather to winterize outdoor spaces and avoid last-minute repairs as the season shifts.
Review Home Security
Use daylight savings as a reminder to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, even if they aren’t dead. This small task ensures your home’s safety systems stay functional year-round.
Check and Replace Air Filters
Swap out old air filters to improve air quality and help your HVAC system run efficiently. Clean filters reduce energy consumption and keep your home comfortable when switching from cooling to heating.
Declutter and Deep Clean
Daylight savings serves as a great reminder to do a seasonal deep clean and declutter. Organize closets, clear out storage spaces, and donate unused items to keep your home feeling refreshed and free of clutter.