Mixed-dry Building America region · 65 counties
December maintenance for a mixed-dry climate
Dry air, cold nights and hot days: wide temperature swings, wildfire smoke and freezes.
2 tasks this month. The median typical first freeze across the region’s counties is Oct 24 and the last is Apr 20; your county can differ by weeks.
December2 tasks
- This monthPress the test button on every smoke and CO alarm.
An alarm you have not heard in months may have a dead battery or sensor. NFPA recommends testing smoke alarms at least once a month.
How
Hold the test button until it sounds. Anything silent or chirping: replace the battery, or the whole alarm if it is past its date.
- WatchDegrease the range-hood filter.
Grease-clogged hood filters stop pulling smoke and grease out of the kitchen and can feed a stovetop fire.
How
Pop the metal filter out and soak it in hot water with dish soap and baking soda, or run it through the dishwasher if the maker allows.