Maintenance Tips  

Please consider the following as tips for home maintenance. None of the following suggestions are intended to replace warranty/home care manuals provided by manufacturers.

Air Conditioners/Heating

• Filters should be replaced on a regular basis.
• Yearly maintenance service by a licensed heating & cooling professional is recommended.

Cooling

• Air conditioners are designed to maintain a 20 degree indoor/outdoor differential. Please note this during extreme outside
  air temperatures.
• Exterior condensation lines should be kept open to move freely at all times.

Heating

• Keep heat set above 55 degrees to avoid frozen or burst pipes.
• The furnace cut-off switch should be kept in the “on” position at all times.

Using your unit for the first time: please note that the function of your heating or your cooling may have been circumvented due to the time of year your home was completed. If your home was completed during winter months, your sub-contractor may not have been able to regulate the Freon levels in your air conditioning system. Should this occur, please contact your sub-contractor directly to set up your system.

Appliances

• Read and follow all manufacturers’ manuals to learn how to safely operate all appliances.
• Disposal should be operated with running cold water. Use the reset button located on the disposal if the disposal is not working.
• For best dishwasher performance, run hot water at the kitchen sink prior to starting the dishwasher.
• If an electric appliance does not work, make sure the appliance is properly plugged in and no circuit breakers have tripped.

Bathtubs, Sinks and Showers

• Check caulked and grouted areas regularly and reseal any openings, following instructions on the sealant product label.
• Abrasive cleaners are not recommended and will not be needed if areas are wiped down between uses.

Cabinets

• Do not store heavy items or stack excessive weight in cabinets, drawers, or lazy susans.
• Cabinet surfaces should be cared for like wood furniture. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners.
• Items stored in cabinets and drawers should be thoroughly dry.

Carpet

• Protect your carpet from extended periods of sun exposure by the use of blinds or curtains
• Carpet should be vacuumed frequently to prolong its life and durability. Removal of surface and embedded dirt is particularly important in high traffic areas. Professional cleaning of carpet on an annual basis is recommended by the manufacturer.

Ceramic Tile

• Check grout regularly for open or cracked areas and reseal as needed.
• Ceramic and grout sealants are available through your tile installer or at home stores.
• Most all-purpose non-abrasive cleaners can be used on tile, including those containing bleach.

Concrete

• Do not use salt or commercial ice-melt products on concrete surfaces. Do not allow lawn fertilizer to spill over onto concrete surfaces. These products can cause chipping, flaking, and cracking.
• Keep all expansion joints free of vegetation.
• Oil spills on concrete can be treated with commercial oven cleaner or “Greased Lightening”.

Countertops

• Keep countertop seams free of moisture. Recaulk seams as needed.
• Use non-abrasive cleaners.
• Do not cut directly on a countertop.
• Granite and marble countertops should be resealed annually.

Decks

• Treated lumber can twist and split as it dries and is exposed to the elements. About six months after your deck is built, it is recommended that you apply a water seal product to your wooden deck, following the instructions on the manufacturers’ package.
• Periodically check and reset the nail heads in the deck.

Doors

• Repaint or recoat exterior doors as needed due to exposure to the elements, approximately every four years.
• Painted doors can be cleaned using a mild detergent.
• Check the weatherstrip on exterior doors annually and re-secure as needed.
• Overhead garage doors have moving parts such as the track and trolley which should be greased several times annually.

Electrical

• Do not overload your power outlets.
• The GFI (ground-fault interrupter) receptacles in your kitchen and baths are equipped with a safety device that is highly sensitive to moisture. Push the reset or test button to restore the flow of electricity if one of the GFIs is tripped.

Fireplaces

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety, use, and maintenance of your gas fireplace.
• The glass can be removed from your fireplace doors for cleaning. Use a non-abrasive cleaner, returning the glass to its correct position in the metal framing when completely dry.

Floors

• Hardwood floors should be cleaned regularly by vacuuming or dry-mopping to remove dust. A damp mop can be used, but long exposure to water is not recommended.
• Vinyl floors should be vacuumed, swept, or mopped regularly. When a thorough cleaning is needed, use a product recommended by the floor manufacturer.
• Some backings on throw or area rugs can cause discoloration on the surface of your vinyl floor. Use care in placement of such rugs.

Hardware

• Use a soft, damp cloth to clean locksets and other hardware.
• Many hinges are lubricated with a graphite product which can leave traces of graphite on your flooring. Wipe the hinges with a damp cloth to alleviate this issue.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Always keep gutters and downspouts free of leaves, limbs, or debris which can cause overflowing.
• Be sure that downspouts direct the flow of water away from the foundation.

Plumbing

• Hoses must be detached from the hose bib whenever the temperature reaches the freezing point.
• During extremely cold temperatures, water lines located on outside walls may be prone to freeze. Keep faucets dripping inside the home overnight and open cabinet doors to help avoid this.
• Never flush items down your toilet such as hair, grease, diapers, or garbage.
• Do not pour grease or oil down your disposal.

Windows

• A silicone spray can be used on the window tracks to allow easy movement of the sash.
• Do not attempt to tilt the window without first lifting the window several inches.