Moving is stressful , whether you ’ re settling into a new apartment , it ’ s your first time buying a house , or you ’ re a seasoned pro . With all the coordination and change , it ’ s easy to put home maintenance on the back burner . As most Canadians move between May and September , here ' s a checklist ahead of peak moving season to help keep new homes protected .
Check and replace smoke and carbon monoxide ( CO ) alarms
Proper smoke and CO alarm placement , maintenance and replacement are essential to keeping your home protected . The National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ) recommends installing alarms on every level of your home , including the basement , inside every bedroom and outside each sleeping area . For convenient protection , upgrade your alarms to a 10-year alarm with a sealed battery , like the First Alert 10-Year Battery Combination Smoke and CO Alarm – which eliminates the need for battery replacements for a decade .
Be prepared with fire extinguishing devices
In addition to having working smoke alarms , fire extinguishers are another important safety tool to have in your home . Fire extinguishers should be stored in easy-to-reach places and in key rooms where there is higher risk of fires starting , such as the kitchen and garage . An easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is with the acronym PASS : Pull the pin . Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism . Aim low . Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire . Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly . Sweep the nozzle from side to side .
Upgrade to a smart thermostat
For efficient temperature control and energy savings , consider upgrading to a smart thermostat , which allows you to adjust your home temperature from anywhere and set different temperature schedules for various times of the day . Options like the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat ’ s smart room sensors allow you to focus on controlling the temperature in the rooms you choose , giving you comfort where you want , when you want it .
For additional cost savings and a lowered energy demand on your community ’ s grid , consider enrolling your thermostat in an energy savings program run by your energy provider .
Install a Water and Freeze Detector Help stop potential water damage before it happens with a water leak detector like the First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water and Freeze Detector . This Wi-Fi enabled device can send you notifications alerting you to water leaks , freezing temperature and hazardous humidity , helping you avoid potential damage to your new home and costly repairs . Look for a product with easy installation , which makes it especially convenient for renters or occupants of multi-family homes to help prevent any water damage in their own unit , as well as any water damage that may spread into other units within their building .
First Alert , www . firstalert . ca