Let’s have a frank conversation.

In the wee hours of Sunday morning, daylight saving time ends, and we all get an extra hour. The most popular way to use it: Just keep on sleeping. But if you’d like to put that time to more productive use, here are seven important tasks you can get done with your 25th hour:

  1. Put new batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Linking this task with changing your clock will keep your family safe and on time. Replace them again when you spring forward.
  2. Have your chimney cleaned. ’Tis the season for cozy fires – and creosote buildup in your chimney. Creosote is the blackish residue that is a natural result of a wood-burning fire, and it’s combustible. That means too much of it can lead to chimney fires (which aren’t cozy at all). Cleaning your chimney can also get rid of blockages like leaves, twigs and even birds’ nests.
  3. Inspect your fire extinguisher (or get one). As long as we’re talking about fires, you should check your fire extinguisher every few months to make sure the gauge shows adequate pressure. Why not do it now?
  4. Retire your air conditioning. Unless you live in the south, you won’t be needing your air conditioning for a while. If you have window units, remove them and store them away for the winter. If you have central air conditioning, cover the outside unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting, held on by bungee cords.
  5. Vacuum your refrigerator coils. It only takes about 15 minutes, and it can both extend the life of your refrigerator and make it work more efficiently. Here’s how.
  6. Check your driveway for cracks. If you live in a cold area, water can freeze inside the cracks and make them even worse. Have them sealed now before the coldest temperatures hit.
  7. Review your insurance coverage. Your life changes. Your insurance should change along with it. You may need more coverage, or you may even need less. If you think it’s time to adjust your coverage, see your independent insurance agent.

You say you’ve already checked off all these tasks? We’re impressed. Roll over and get an extra hour of sleep – you’ve earned it.
 

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