JAMES AND MORRIS CAREY \ On the House Clock-turning signals time for upkeep

Each fall, Americans turn clocks back an hour, marking the end of daylight-saving time. Reminders to "spring forward" or "fall back" can also be a reminder to replace smoke-alarm batteries.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fire is the second-leading cause of unintentional death in the home. Each year, nearly 2,700 people die in residential fires, and there are more than 330,000 residential fires reported to fire departments.
Manufacturers and fire-safety experts say if your unit is 10 or more years old, an alarm that sounds when the button is pushed just means it's getting electricity and not necessarily that the sensor chamber is activating properly. To be certain, either test older units with a smoke device or replace them. Sensor chambers can become dirty and ineffective or nonoperational even if the button test works. For safety's sake, replace an older unit; then, you'll know it'll work.
Additional tasks
Though safety is first, there are other home-maintenance tasks that should be performed as we move through fall into winter. The following tasks will help save money on utilities and prevent the need for major repairs, improve comfort and safety, save energy and preserve the integrity of your home.
UGutters and downspouts: Wayward water is one of a home's biggest enemies. When allowed to collect at the perimeter of a foundation, excessive water can result in a damp and musty basement or cause foundation movement that produces cracks over windows and doors. If your home doesn't have gutters and downspouts, install them. If it does, be sure they are clean before heavy rains begin.
UDrainage: Having clean gutters and downspouts is only one piece of the water-damage prevention puzzle. A mistake that many make is to allow downspouts to discharge at the base of the foundation. This condition is worse than not having gutters at all because of the high concentration of water. To avoid this problem, downspouts should discharge into a subsurface drainage system and into a municipal storm drain or other water-collection facility.
ULandscape irrigation: Throttle back on the amount of water used to irrigate landscaping by adjusting automatic timers and use the "rain-off" switch when weather dictates. Use compressed air to blow water out of irrigation lines to prevent damage caused by freezing.
UWater heater and plumbing pipes: You can maximize your water-heating dollar by removing sediment at the base of your water heater's tank. The sediment that collects over time greatly reduces burner efficiency and can even damage the interior lining of the tank when allowed to superheat. Adjust burners for the most fuel-efficient and safest combustion. For flames, blue is good; yellow isn't. Uninsulated water pipes are an energy-waster and a burst pipe waiting to happen.
URoofing: The time to discover you have a leaking roof should not be in the middle of a rainstorm. Replace damaged shingles, patch damaged flashing and remove surface debris to facilitate proper watershed and prevent leaks.
UAttic insulation and ventilation: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a well-insulated attic is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency, save money and increase comfort.
UWeatherstripping and caulking: Gaps around windows and doors are a leading cause of drafts that rob a home of comfort and result in high utility bills. All exterior doors should be weatherstripped and have an adjustable door shoe and threshold. Weatherstripping and vinyl gaskets at door shoes and thresholds that have become brittle over time should be replaced with new, supple material. Trim that surrounds windows and doors (at both the interior and exterior) should be caulked to prevent drafts. Gaps and large penetrations, such as those made to accommodate plumbing pipes or conduits, should be filled with expandable foam sealant.
USiding: Gaps and cracks in siding should be caulked and patched to prevent leaks and the subsequent damage. Raw siding should be primed as a means of temporary waterproofing until spring; then, a more thorough job can be done. Brick exteriors should be sealed to prevent freeze-thaw damage.
UFireplace: Creosote-lined fireplace flues are a chimney fire just waiting to happen. The National Chimney Sweep Guild recommends that a fireplace flue be inspected before each season of burning. In addition, the guild recommends that a fireplace be cleaned after each cord of wood is burned. Before making your first fire for the season, be sure to open the damper and leave it open whenever there is a fire in the fireplace.
UHeating: Give your home's heating system the once-over to be sure that all components are in good working order, clean and well-lubricated. Be sure that the burners are clean and the flame is properly adjusted. Replace dirty filters to improve air flow and efficiency and to lower utility costs. Also, consider installing ceiling fans to move air trapped high up at ceilings. Doing so will make your home more comfortable and lower your heating bill.
XFor more home-improvement tips and information, visit www.onthehouse.com on the Web.