Home Maintenance Tips
Air Conditioning
- To ensure efficient operation, check filters every month. Clean or replace as needed.
- Have annual system maintenance service performed one month before the cooling season begins.
- Keep the condensing unit free of debris.
- Trim shrubs and plants near condensing unit to ensure proper air flow/circulation.
- Bent condensing unit fins can be straightened with a fine comb.
Heating System
- Check filters every month.
- Smell around the appliance for gas orders.
- Visually inspect exhaust vent for rust, damage or deterioration
- Trim shrubs and plants near condensing unit to ensure proper air flow/circulation.
- Have annual system maintenance service performed one month before the heating season begins.
Electrical System
- To help prevent power outages, make sure there are not too many appliances plugged into one circuit.
- Regularly use self-test button on ground fault circuit interrupters/arc fault interrupters to ensure proper working order.
- Before working with wires or electrical connections, check them with a voltage tester to be sure they are dead.
- Use ground fault circuit interrupter outlets where damp conditions exist (basements, bathrooms, outdoors, etc.), as required by the National Electric Code.
- Leave a warning message that you are working on the circuit at the service panel, and tape the circuit breaker in the off position. With a fuse box, take the fuse out.
- Plumbing and gas pipes are often used to ground electrical systems. Never touch them while working with electricity.
- Don’t use metal ladders with overhead fans.
Plumbing System
- Toilet paper should be the only paper product flushed down a toilet.
- Maintain water softener according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Water filters and icemaker filters should be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Avoid using your garbage disposal if you’re on a septic system.
- Drain sediment from water heater tank according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Washer
To adjust the level of your washing machine, turn the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.
Inspect cold and hot water supply hoses for cracks and deterioration.
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Dryer
Clean the lint screen after each load of clothes has been dried.
To adjust the level of your washing machine, turn the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.
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Water Heater
- Drain and flush sediment from tank twice a year.
- Check pressure-relief valve once a year to make sure this crucial safety device is not clogged.
Range/Oven
- To avoid damaging the burners/heating elements, do not use extra-large or heavy cooking pots or pans.
- If you have a self cleaning oven, do not use any other method to clean it.
- Mineral deposits on the electric heating element can be cleaned with vinegar.
- Clean or change range hood exhaust filters regularly.
Refrigerator
- Clean the interior shelves, shell and gaskets every three months.
- Once a year, clean the coils on the back or underneath with a vacuum cleaner.
- 37°F is an ideal temperature for your refrigerator compartment and 0°F for the freezer.
- If the door gasket is sealing properly, it should hold a dollar bill in place when closed.
Garbage Disposal
- To clean the disposal, feed a full tray of ice cubes through it while running cold water.
- To prevent stoppages, remember to run water during use and for at least twenty seconds after you finish.
- Make sure rubber splashguard is not damaged or missing.
- Avoid using a garbage disposal if you are on a septic system.
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