Air Conditioning & Heating System

• Replace ALL filters on a monthly basis. (Dusting frequently helps, too.)
• Ensure components are installed correctly. Duh.
• If you can't sleep because of noisy blower sections, call a technician. (And please, stay off of the roof at night.)
• Have all of your HVAC systems inspected by a qualified technician on a yearly basis. Note: “Qualified."

Gas Furnaces

• If you can smell gas, um…get the heck outta there and call the gas company. Geez.
• Do not turn on any electrical equipment or use anything with an open flame.
• Check the exhaust pipe for loose or corroded sections. (If it sounds faulty, it probably is.)
• Check the heat shield to ensure that it is not loose or corroded.
• If you’re noticing burn marks around the heat shield or soot on the front, you may have a draft or combustion problem.

Water Heater

• Drain the tank at least once a year and flush it out. It's like a detox for your home.
• Hook a garden hose to the bottom drain valve. Place the hose in a position to allow full discharge of the water (preferably outside).
• Open the drain valve wide open but DO NOT close off the incoming cold water supply. (If you have to ask why, call someone.)
• Run the water out of the hose until it runs clear. Then, shut off the bottom drain valve, remove the hose and head out for an ice cream cone.

Plumbing System

• Avoid flushing any paper products other than toilet paper.(Yes, happens more than we’d like to admit.)
• Check for corrosion and leaks, and add a cleanout compound to systems once a year to avoid clogging nightmares.

Microwave

• Do not nuke pans or dishes that are metal or have a metallic trim. (And don’t forget to reiterate this to your teens, frequently, as they tend to have selective hearing).
• Use only mild soap or baking soda to clean the interior of your microwave (abrasive cleaners or scouring pads can really mess things up).

Refrigerator

• Clean the interior shelves, shell and gaskets every 3 months (or prepare to be grossed out).
• Clean the coils on the back and/or below, making sure the temp is set correctly. (Frozen milk typically doesn't work so well with cereal anyway.)

Range & Oven

• To avoid damaging the burners, do NOT use extra-large, heavy cooking pots or pans. (i.e., Hansel & Gretel)
• If you have a self-cleaning oven, don't expect it to wash the dishes, too. C'mon.

Garbage Disposal

• If it's jammed, please keep your hand out of it. A disposal wrench is provided with your disposal. If you can't find it, don't get creative.
• There is a female receptor for the wrench on the bottom of the disposal. You will need to put the wrench in the receptor and turn it counterclockwise until the wrench turns freely. Then, press the reset button located at the bottom of the disposal.
• If you drop a fork in your disposal, turn the power off before you remove it. Genius.

Washer & Dryer

• Clean the lint screen after each load of clothes has been dried (or give to your kids to make fuzzy snowmen).
• Adjust the level of your washing machine by turning the legs clockwise to lower them or counterclockwise to raise them.

end faq