The clocks are officially going back this Sunday. British Summer Time is coming to an end, and we’ll return to Greenwich Mean Time by turning the clocks back one hour. It happens every year, yet it still seems to creep up on us. The change brings brighter mornings, darker evenings and an extra hour to play with. For many of us, that sounds like a very welcome invitation to lie in. But for the clever few who can resist the snooze button, this little gift of time is an opportunity not to be missed.
Put that extra hour to good use by tackling the small household jobs you’d rather not spend your free time doing. As autumn wears on and the first signs of winter begin to appear, there are plenty of seasonal tasks to tick off around the house. This bonus hour is just enough time to make a start without letting the jobs take over your weekend.
To help you make the most of it, we’ve picked six ten-minute jobs that are perfect for an autumn weekend. They’re quick, seasonal and easy to fit in before the day gets going, helping you get a little more from the clocks changing than a few extra Zs.
1. Check your heating timer
The clocks changing are a good reminder to check a few things around the house, including any manual clocks, plug-in timers, lighting systems and heating controls. Some smart devices update automatically, so check the display or app before changing anything.
Use ten minutes to make sure your heating timer is showing the right time and that its schedule still suits your routine. If you’ve been putting off adjusting it for colder mornings, now’s a good moment to do it. Check the instructions for your particular thermostat or programmer, as the settings vary.
2. Give your radiators room to work
As we head into the colder months, it’s a good time to make sure your home is ready to keep you warm. Start by checking the radiators in the rooms you use most.
If curtains are hanging over radiators or furniture is pushed right up against them, move things slightly so warm air can circulate. It’s a small change that can make a room feel much cosier as the temperature drops.
3. Clear leaves from a drain cover
Autumn leaves can quickly collect over outside drain covers, and thanks to El Nino we’ve got plenty of winter storms on the forecast. Put on gloves and clear any leaves from an accessible cover at ground level, then pop them in the garden waste or bin. Keep to the surface and leave a blocked or difficult-to-reach drain to a professional. It’s not pleasant, especially on a cold Sunday morning, but it gives you well worth peace of mind with all the heavy rain that’s on the way this season.
4. Clean your dehumidifier filter
Damp and condensation can become more troublesome in winter, particularly when you’re drying clothes indoors. A dehumidifier can help manage excess moisture, especially if you’re noticing condensation.
If you use one, give its filter a quick check. Switch the appliance off, remove the filter and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A dusty filter can restrict airflow, so this is a useful little job before damp-weather drying becomes part of the routine.
5. Get your outdoor tap ready for frost
An often-overlooked winter maintenance job is getting your outdoor tap ready for freezing weather. Disconnect any garden hose and fit an insulated cover over the tap. Water left in the tap or pipe can freeze and expand, potentially cracking the fitting or pipe. You might only discover the damage when it thaws and starts leaking.
If your tap has an indoor isolation valve, use it to shut off the water and drain the outside pipe, following the manufacturer’s guidance. It’s an easy job to forget until the first proper frost.
6. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Another useful seasonal check is making sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Press the test button, following the manufacturer’s instructions. With the heating likely to be on more often, it’s a good time to check when the batteries or units need replacing. If an alarm doesn’t respond, replace the battery or unit as directed.