Tips for Home Maintenance

Air Conditioning System

-Routine Maintenance Tips

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 fin comb.

-Quick Fixes

Problem: Water leaks into the walls or ceiling.

Make sure the drain line is not restricted and condensation drains freely.

Problem: Unit constantly cycles on and off.

Call a qualified professional to clean the evaporator and fan.

Problem: Air conditioner doesn't make air cool enough.

Keep the area around the exterior condensing unit clear of leaves, bushes and other obstructions to ensure adequate airflow.
Clean or replace the air filter.
Create shade for the unit.
Secure the insulation firmly to the suction line (large line) and replace any worn-out insulation.

Heating System

-Routine Maintenance Tips

Check filters every month.
Smell around the appliance for gas odors.
Visually inspect exhaust vent for rust, damage or deterioration.
Have annual system maintenance service performed one month before the heating season begins.

-Quick Fixes

Problem: There is no heat at all.

Check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker.
Replace the drive belt.
Call a qualified professional.

Problem: Your rooms aren't warm enough.

Replace the filter.
Clean the registers; remove obstructions blocking register.
Seal the leaking ducts with duct tape.
Call a qualified professional.

Problem: Soot collects in your house.

Replace the filter.
Call a qualified professional to clean heating system.

Problem: The blower makes unusual noises when the burner is off.

Tighten the setscrews of the pulley.
Replace the blower mounts.
Replace the drive belt.
Adjust the belt tension.
Call a qualified professional.

Electrical System

-Routine Maintenance Tips

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 circuit interrupters to ensure proper working order.

-Quick Fixes

Problem: No electricity to an outlet.

Check circuit breaker box.
Try plugging in another item to that outlet.
Check all other outlets.
Call a qualified professional.

-Technical Terms

Circuit Breaker:

A device for interrupting an electric circuit to prevent excessive current, as caused by a short circuit, from damaging the apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter):

A life safety device commonly used in outdoor, bathroom and kitchen locations that limits ground fault to 5 milliamps.

Plumbing System

-Routine Maintenance Tips

Toilet paper should be the only product flushed down a toilet.
Maintain water softener according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Water filters and icemaker filters should be changed according to 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.

-Quick Fixes

Problem: little or no water from the faucet or shower head.

Check to ensure water shut-off valves are completely open. Remove aerators and clean them as needed.
Call a qualified professional.

-Technical Terms

Shut-off valve:

A valve that controls the flow of water to an individual fixture, allowing water supply to be stopped to one fixture without affecting the water supply to other fixtures.

Aerator:

A device that exposes air or causes air to circulate through the water line.

Range/Oven

-Routine Maintenance Tips

To avoid damaging the burners/heating elements, do not use extra-large and 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.

-Quick Fixes

Gas Range

Problem: A surface burner doesn't light.

Ensure gas shut-off valve is turned to the open position.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for relighting the pilot.
Repair or replace spark igniter.

Problem: Pilot light doesn't remain lit.

Use a small wire to clean the port.
Try to prevent drafts near the range.
Replace thermocouple.

Electric Range

Problem: The range is not working at all.

Check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breakers. If you don't find a problem, call an electrician.

Problem: One of the elements doesn't heat.

Check each part for continuity and replace if necessary.

Refrigerator

-Routine Maintenance Tips

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.
37ºF is an ideal temperature for your refrigerator compartment and 0ºF for the freezer.
If the door gasket is sealing properly, it should hold a dollar bill in place when closed.

-Quick Fixes

Problem: The refrigerator is not running, no sound can be heard and the interior light is out.

Check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
Check plug and replace the cord if damaged.

Problem: The Refrigerator constantly cycles on and off.

Clean the coils with a vacuum only.
Call a qualified professional.

Problem: The Refrigerator has stopped running, the light is on and you hear an occasional clicking.

Replace fan if necessary.
Test the thermostat and replace if necessary.

Problem: Frost forms rapidly or the unit does not defrost.

Open door less often.
Adjust the door hinges to ensure a tight door seal.
Clean or replace the gasket. Leaks in the door seal will make it difficult to maintain desired temperature.

Washer

-Routine Maintenance Tips

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 supply hoses for cracks or deterioration.

-Quick Fixes

Problem: Washing machine does not operate.

Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breaker.
Open the water shut-off valves.

Problem: Washing machine doesn't fill with water.

Check and clean the hot and cold inlet hose filters.
Straighten the water supply hoses.
Turn the timer slightly or press the buttons firmly.

Problem: Water doesn't stop filling the tub.

Check the overflow switch and replace it.
Replace the timer or call a qualified professional.

Problem: Tub fills with water but machine doesn't run.

Make sure the lid is closed. If it is, ensure switch is fully pressed.
Lighten load and wait 15 minutes for the motor to reset.

Dryer

-Routine Maintenance Tips

Clean the lint screen after each load of clothes has been dried.
To adjust the level of your clothes dryer, turn the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.

-Quick Fixes

Problem: Dryer does not operate.

Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breaker.
Check the door switch and replace if necessary.
Check the timer control and replace if necessary.

Problem: Motor runs, but the drum doesn't run.

Open the unit and look for obstructions around the drum.
Replace the belt.
Check the drum assembly and repair/replace if necessary.

Problem: Drums turns, but clothes remain wet.

Clean the lint screen and the exhaust vent.
Check the thermostat and replace if necessary.
Check the heating element and replace if necessary.
Check the timer and replace if necessary.

Problem: It takes too long to dry a load.

Clean the lint screen and exhaust vent.
Reduce the load and try again.

Garbage Disposal

-Routine Maintenance Tips

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.

-Quick Fixes

Problem: Garbage disposal does not operate.

Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. If the disposal is plugged into a wall outlet, ensure the outlet has power.
On continuous-feed models, check the wall switch. On batch-feed models, check the stopper switch.
If the flywheel is jammed, free it using the supplied tool or a long wooden spoon handle. Push the reset button.

Problem: Motor hums but unit doesn't grind.