The Other Thing You Need to Do When Daylight Savings Time Ends

This weekend daylight savings time comes to an end. Saturday night, we will all gain an extra hour of sleep as we roll back the clocks one hour.

Though there are movements to do away with these daylight savings time changes twice per year–especially now during the Coronavirus pandemic–at least for 2020, we will all be changing our clocks this weekend.

In the past, it has been very important to remember change your clocks, but in all honesty, many of the clocks in our lives will probably automatically update. Computers, smartphones, or anything else connected to wifi, such as thermostats will make the change without our help. That said, there is still one other thing that you need to do.

Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector.

Your home should be equipped with at least one carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide can be a very dangerous gas, and because it is colorless and odorless, near impossible to detect without a detector. The detectors can last up to 5 to 7 years, but their batteries should be replaced more frequently.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission states,” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to make a habit of replacing smoke and CO alarm batteries when the time changes….”

Kidde also advises, “We recommend replacing the batteries in all of your alarms at least once a year, or any time the unit indicates the battery is low. The general rule is to replace the batteries when you change your clock for daylight savings time and / or when you switch your clock back.”

Of course, carbon monoxide detector batteries do not need to be changed when daylight savings time ends; it is simply a good date to help you remember to do it. The important thing is to make sure that your carbon monoxide detector is working properly. So, if you haven’t changed the batteries in your CO detector in a while, set a reminder in your phone, or even write it on a sticky note for your fridge, and switch them out when you change your clocks.

Looking for more information about carbon monoxide safety in your home? Contact us at FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical!