MAKING YOURSELF AT HOME

Transcription

1 MAKING YOURSELF AT HOME A MAINTENANCE GUIDE FOR YOUR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES HOW OFTEN DO YOU THINK OF THE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED TO KEEP YOUR HOME SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES UP AND RUNNING? If you're like most homeowners, probably not often enough. Not to worry though, we've done the homework for you. Here s a guide filled with routine maintenance tips and quick fixes to help you keep everything ship-shape.

2 Air Conditioning System To ensure efficient operation, check filters every month as needed. Clean or replace at least every three months. Have annual system maintenance service performed during the spring time change to avoid the busy summer season. Keep the condensing unit free of debris. Trim shrubs and plants near condensing unit to ensure proper airflow/circulation. Bent condensing unit fins can be straightened with a fin comb, which can be found at your local hardware store. While your system is operating, monitor its starting characteristics, listen for abnormal noise and check vent system for proper operation. 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 unit 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 Check filters every month. Smell around the appliance for gas odors. Visually inspect exhaust vent for rust, damage or deterioration. Inspect fanbelt for cracking/fraying. Also check belt tension; pushing on the center should only deflect it about 1/2" - 3/4". Have annual system maintenance service performed during the fall time change to avoid the busy winter season. Become familiar with normal operating sounds. Problem: There is no heat at all. Check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker. Replace the drive belt. Problem: Soot collects in your house. Replace the filter. Call a qualified professional to clean the heating system. Problem: The blower makes unusual noises when the burner is off. Tighten the setscrews. Replace the blower mounts. Check if the belt is worn, replace if needed. Loosen the belt tension. Problem: Your rooms are not warm enough. Replace the filter. Clean the registers; remove obstructions blocking register. Seal any leaking ducts with duct tape.

3 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 manufacturer s recommendations. Drain water heater tank to remove sediment according to manufacturer s recommendations. Treat drains once a month to prevent clogs whether it seems like they need it or not. Problem: Clogged drain. Pour 1/2 cup of salt down the drain followed by boiling water. Continue to flush with very hot water until clog is clear. Problem: Little or no water from the faucet or shower head. Check the shut-off valve. Try cleaning faucet/faucet head. 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. Gasket: A resilient or flexible material used between matching surfaces to provide a leak-proof seal. Electrical System To help prevent circuit breaker trips, 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. Problem: No electricity to an outlet. Check circuit breaker box. Try plugging in another item to that outlet. Check all other outlets. Problem: Fuses blow/breakers trip frequently. Call a qualified professional to identify the cause and make repairs. TECHNICAL TERMS Circuit Breaker: A re-settable device that responds to a preset excess of current flow by opening the circuit, thereby preventing damage to circuit elements. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): A safety device that limits ground fault to 5 milliamps, which offers protection against electrical shock. It s commonly used outdoors; as well as in bathroom and kitchen locations next to water sources.

4 Range/Oven 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 (approximately every 3-6 months). 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. Check that the burner holes are clean. 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 breaker. If you don t find a problem, call a qualified electrician. Problem: One of the elements doesn t heat. Check each part for continuity and replace Refrigerator Clean the interior shelves, shell and gaskets regularly. 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. 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. Problem: The refrigerator has stopped running, the light is on and you hear an occasional clicking. Replace fan Test the thermostat and replace Problem: Frost forms rapidly or the unit does not defrost. Try to open the door less often. Adjust the door hinges. Clean or replace the gasket. Leaks in the door seal will make it difficult to maintain desired temperature.

5 Washer To adjust the level of your washing machine, turn the legs clockwise to lower them or counterclockwise to raise them. Inspect cold and hot water supply hoses for cracks or deterioration. Clean the tub every 3 months: Run washer on hot with 3 cups of white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda. When it begins to drain, advance it to spin. After the cycle ends, run it again on cold to rinse. Problem: Tub fills with water but machine doesn t run. Make sure the lid is closed. If it is, ensure switch is fully depressed. Lighten load and wait 15 minutes for the motor to reset. 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. Repair or replace the water hose. Check the water level switch and replace it. Replace the timer or call a qualified professional. Problem: Washing machine does not operate. Check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker. Check lid switch. Open the water shutoff valves. Dryer 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. Clean the duct work and outside the vent. Problem: Dryer does not operate. Check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Check the switch and replace Check the timer control and replace Problem: Motor runs, but the drum doesn t turn. Open the unit and look for obstructions around the drum. Replace the belt. Check the assembly and replace Problem: Drum turns, but clothes remain wet. Clean the lint screen and the exhaust vent. Check the thermostat and replace Check the heating element and replace Check the timer and replace Problem: It takes too long to dry a load. Clean the lint screen and exhaust vent. Reduce the load and try again.

6 COUNT AMERICAN HOME SHIELD FOR SERVICE AND SAVINGS. An American Home Shield Home Protection Plan can help you avoid high repair and replacement costs on covered items, protecting your investment and your wallet. AVERAGE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT COST Air Conditioning w/ductwork Water Heater Repair: $316 Replacement: $2,442 Repair: $332 Replacement: $2,390 Repair: $140 Replacement: $767 Main Electrical Panel Dishwasher Ranges/ Ovens/Cooktops Repair: $210 Replacement: $651 Repair: $171 Replacement: $502 Repair: $170 Replacement: $706 Heating w/ductwork D-B-GOOD-B-GE FOO FO NE Built-in Microwave Garbage Disposal Repair: $84 Replacement: $309 Repair: $24 Replacement: $152 To learn more, contact us today: ahshome.com Due to the general nature of the property maintenance and improvement advice in this material, neither American Home Shield Corporation, nor its licensed subsidiaries assumes any responsibility for any loss or damage which may be suffered by the use of this information. As reported in the national survey A Study of Homeowners Appliance and Home System Service Experiences, Decision Analyst (201 1) and reprinted with their written permission. Further reproduction is expressly prohibited. Remember, your AHS Home Protection Plan covers the repair or replacement of many system and appliance breakdowns, but not necessarily the entire system or appliance. Please refer to your contract for details American Home Shield Corporation and its licensed subsidiaries. All rights reserved.