To Do List for the End of Daylight Saving Time

SARASOTA, Fla., Oct. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As daylight saving time ends this Sunday, and we turn our clocks back one hour,  electricians with Mister Sparky^® say it's a good time to go through this quick to do list at home. These are simple things to help your family as the season changes and there is less daylight.

• Test your smoke alarms
  The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing your smoke alarms each month and replacing the batteries at least once a year. They also recommend replacing all smoke alarms every 10 years.¹ As you change the clocks, it's also a great time to get out the ladder and test your smoke alarms and change the batteries.
• Check outdoor lighting
  Inspect all the wiring and light bulbs on your outdoor lighting. With less daylight, proper lighting outside can help with safety and security. There are new, LED, outdoor lighting options that can help save energy.
• Check your timers
  Outdoor lighting timers, pool pumps and yard sprinklers need to be seasonally adjusted. Pools in the cooler seasons only need to be on an hour or two to circulate chemicals.
• Save energy
  You may be using your indoor lighting more now. You can use new technology to help save some energy and money. According to the Department of Energy, by upgrading to energy efficient light bulbs and motion sensing light switches in places like walk-in closets, dim pantries and hallways you can use 25-80% less energy than traditional light bulbs and they can last up to 25 times longer.²   

With any electrical work you do at home, make sure you follow all the proper safety precautions. If you have any questions or concerns call a licensed electrician. For more seasonal electrical tips, contact your local Mister Sparky.

Mister Sparky® electric is currently ranked by Entrepreneur magazine as the #1 electrical franchise in the magazine's annual Franchise 500 (January 2015.) Our trusted professionals offer customers on-time electrical services, replacement and repairs done right the first time with courtesy, convenience, cleanliness, competence and character. Mister Sparky is part of the Direct Energy family of brands.

¹ http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/smoke-alarms

² http://energy.gov/energysaver/how-energy-efficient-light-bulbs-compare-traditional-incandescents

SOURCE Mister Sparky