Do Smoke Detectors expire?

Did you know smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have a life span of about 7 to 10 years, and its important to replace old detectors according to the model's recommendations. Battery backup and battery operated alarms using 9 volt and AAA batteries should get fresh batteries at least once a year. Experts  suggest replacing the batteries when you change your clocks each year for the start of daylight savings time. Other maintenance includes a monthly testing of each alarm and cleaning with a vacuum hose each month. Smoke detectors should be located one in each bedroom and one in hallway outside bedroom. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be located one on each floor.

Where Should I Place a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance. Keep the detector out of the way of pets and children. Each floor needs a separate detector. If you getting a single carbon monoxide detector, place it near the sleeping area and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake you up.

 More information on smoke and CO detectors

Ten tips to save on heating cost

Turning down your thermostat is the best solution to saving on home heating bills. Even a couple of degrees can make a difference. However, here are 10 useful tips that are less obvious:

1. Clean Your Furnace
A clean furnace is an efficient furnace. If you're looking to save money on energy bills, you should start with having your furnace checked and cleaned. While this isn't the cheapest way to save on home heating costs, it is one of the most effective.

2. Change Your Air Filter
For less than $20 you can change the air filter on your furnace. A dirty air filter will block the airflow from your furnace and can actually decrease the furnace's life expectancy.

3. Use Your Ceiling Fans
This advice may sound counter-intuitive, but you should actually use your ceiling fans during the winter. A ceiling fan set in reverse can draw warm air through your home, helping to keep it warm.

4. Use Washing Machines and Dishwashers Wisely
When running your washing machine or your dishwasher, make sure that you only do full loads of laundry or dishes. If you don't run full loads, you'll need to run your appliances more frequently, wasting energy in the process.

5. Use Compact Fluorescent Lighting
Compact fluorescent light bulbs use less than half of the energy of incandescent light bulbs, and they last longer as well. Fluorescent lighting technology has improved dramatically over the past few years, so even if you didn't like fluorescent lighting in the past, it's worth trying again now.

6. Keep Shades Up and Blinds Open
Take advantage of natural daylight and solar heat through your windows. Rather than having light bulbs running all day, keep your shades and blinds open and you'll be able to make use of the natural sunlight and the warmth that naturally comes from the sun

7. Insulate Your Water Heater
If you have an older model water heater, buy insulation wrap and insulate your water heater. It will help the heater retain heat and will help reduce your energy bill by about $20 per year. When you need to replace your water heater, buy an energy efficient model. (This is also good advice when you need to replace your furnace -- buy a high-efficiency model.)

8.Install and Use a Programmable Thermostat
If you talk to any heating and cooling specialist, they will tell you that one of the best things to do in order to save money on your energy bills is to install a programmable thermostat. You'll be able to program the thermostat to reduce the heat of your home when you're away and when you're asleep.

9. Seal Leaks
If you have air leaks in your home, seal them up with caulk or weather strips. Drafts can add significantly to your home heating costs during the winter, so make sure that you locate and seal off any drafts in your home.

10. Turn It Off
  A simple rule of thumb is if you're not using it, turn it off. From lights to televisions to appliances, if you're not using them, make sure you turn them off.   .