October’s Rosie-do List: Keep your home running smoothly this month

It’s time once again for my Rosie-Do list. These monthly household tips are intended to help you keep your home running smoothly.

Here are the five recommended to-dos for October.

Double-check your smoke alarm

The National Fire Protection Association is emphasizing smoke alarms during National Fire Protection Week, which starts Oct. 9. Apparently, lots of people don’t know how old their alarms are.

Make sure you replace your alarm every 10 years. That means checking on the age of alarms. Look for the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm.

Also, test the alarms once a month by pushing the TEST button. You may also consider having a fire-safety plan for your family.

Fall is great for resurfacing the deck around your pool

Think about removing dark colored paving or tiles and replacing it with light-colored concrete pavers. Those lighter colors will be kinder to your feet in summer.

It’s still prime time to plant a vegetable garden

Good possibilities for October are asparagus, cabbage, spring peas and onions from seeds. Herbs that will grow easily now include include cilantro, dill, chamomile, and parsley.

Think about planting a tree

Maybe a Chilean or velvet mesquite. Both these mesquites are relatively fast-growing, but the Chilean grows to about 30 feet tall, while the velvet, a native of Arizona, only reaches 25. The velvet also has a stronger root system.

Maybe it’s time to switch from logs to gas

Tired of buying logs and cleaning up after wood fires in your fireplace? Fall is a good time to convert to gas so you can enjoy a cozy fire on cool evenings.

But remember that only a licensed fireplace installer or plumber is qualified to do the work. If you already have a natural gas range, water heater or furnace, that professional will run a new gas pipeline to your fireplace. If you don’t have gas available, you’ll have to power your new gas logs with propane.

For more DIY tips and information for all the projects around your house, home, castle or cabin, visit Arizona’s largest collection of homeowner DIY advice and information at www.Rosieonthehouse.com.

And if you are in need of a quality contractor you know you can trust, visit our list of Arizona’s very best contractors or service providers for your home improvement projects at RosieontheHouse.com –- Arizona’s most trusted referral network.

Tune in to KTAR every Saturday morning from 7-11 a.m. for the Rosie on the House broadcast!