Daylight savings time - Replace your batteries

As we said goodbye to Daylight Savings Time, you already set your clocks back.  Did you remember to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?  What's that?  You don't have a carbon monoxide alarm?

Every home has the potential for carbon monoxide (CO) inlfitration into the living space.  If you park your car in the attached garage, it's a very real possibility that CO enters your home.  Old or inefficient appliances, such as gas ovens or cooktops, water heaters or furnaces contribute as well.  And it doesn't take much exposure to make you sick or worse.  Many homeowners are exposed to excessive carbon monoxide and aren't even aware of it.

If your alarms - smoke or CO - are more than 10 years old, or you're not sure, you should consider replacing them.  They really are inexpensive, and they may save your life.

The best, most efficient alarms are multiple, interconnected alarms, hard-wired into your home's electrical system.  Even better, get a system connected to your monitored home security system.  Your security company can set it up and monitor the alarms.  That way, your home will be safe from fire when you're away.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are just part of a comprehensive home inspection, but just may be the most important part.