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 in shape. Air Conditioning System ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TIPS QUICK FIXES •T o ensure efficient operation, check filters every month as needed. Clean or replace at least every three months. Problem: Water leaks into the walls or ceiling. •H ave annual system maintenance service performed during the spring time change to avoid the busy summer season. • Make sure the drain line is not restricted and condensation drains freely. Problem: Unit constantly cycles on and off. • Keep the condensing unit free of debris. •C all a qualified professional to clean the evaporator unit and fan. •T rim shrubs and plants near condensing unit to ensure proper airflow/circulation. Problem: Air conditioner doesn’t make air cool enough. •B ent condensing unit fins can be straightened with a fin comb, which can be found at your local hardware store. •K eep the area around the exterior condensing unit clear of leaves, bushes and other obstructions to ensure adequate airflow. •W hile your system is operating, monitor its starting characteristics, listen for abnormal noise and check vent system for proper operation. • Clean or replace the air filter. • Create shade for the unit. •S ecure the insulation firmly to the suction line (large line) and replace any worn-out insulation. Heating System ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TIPS Problem: Soot collects in your house. • Check filters every month. • Replace the filter. • Smell around the appliance for gas odors. • Call a qualified professional to clean the heating system. •V isually 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". •H ave annual system maintenance service performed during the fall time change to avoid the busy winter season. • Become familiar with normal operating sounds. 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. • Call a qualified professional. Problem: Your rooms are not warm enough. QUICK FIXES • Replace the filter. Problem: There is no heat at all. •C lean the registers; remove obstructions blocking register. •C heck for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker. • Replace the drive belt. • Seal any leaking ducts with duct tape. Plumbing System ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TIPS •T oilet paper should be the only paper product flushed down a toilet. •M aintain water softener according to manufacturer’s recommendations. •W ater filters and icemaker filters should be changed according to manufacturer’s recommendations. •D rain water heater tank to remove sediment according to manufacturer’s recommendations. •T reat drains once a month to prevent clogs whether it seems like they need it or not. QUICK FIXES Problem: Little or no water from the faucet or shower head. • Check the shut-off valve. • Try cleaning faucet/faucet head. • 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. Gasket: A resilient or flexible material used between matching surfaces to provide a leak-proof seal. Problem: Clogged drain. ON ON ON •P our 1/2 cup of salt down the drain followed by boiling water. Continue to flush with very hot water until the clog is clear. ON Electrical System ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TIPS TECHNICAL TERMS •T o help prevent circuit breaker trips, make sure there are not too many appliances plugged into one circuit. 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. •R egularly 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. •T ry plugging in another item to that outlet. • Check all other outlets. • Call a qualified professional. Problem: Fuses blow/breakers trip frequently. •C all a qualified professional to identify the cause and make repairs. 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. Range/Oven ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TIPS Problem: Pilot light doesn’t remain lit. • If you have a self-cleaning oven, do not use any other method to clean it. • Use a small wire to clean the port. •M ineral deposits on the electric heating element can be cleaned with vinegar. • Replace thermocouple. •C lean or change range hood exhaust filters regularly (approximately every 3-6 months). ELECTRIC RANGE QUICK FIXES GAS RANGE Problem: A surface burner doesn’t light. •E nsure gas shut-off valve is turned to the open position. • Try to prevent drafts near the range. Problem: The range is not working at all. •C heck 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 if necessary. •F ollow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot. • Check that the burner holes are clean. Refrigerator ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TIPS •C lean the interior shelves, shell and gaskets regularly. •C lean the coils on the back or underneath with a vacuum cleaner. •3 7°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 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. QUICK FIXES Problem: Frost forms rapidly or the unit does not defrost. Problem: The refrigerator is not running, no sound can be heard and the interior light is out. • Try to open the door less often. • Check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. • Check plug and replace the cord if damaged. • Adjust the door hinges. •C lean or replace the gasket. Leaks in the door seal will make it difficult to maintain desired temperature. Washer ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TIPS •T o 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. •C lean 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. QUICK FIXES 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 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TIPS •C lean the lint screen after each load of clothes has been dried. •T o 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: Motor runs, but the drum doesn’t turn. •O pen the unit and look for obstructions around the drum. • Replace the belt. • Check the assembly and replace if necessary. Problem: Drum turns, but clothes remain wet. QUICK FIXES • Clean the lint screen and the exhaust vent. Problem: Dryer does not operate. • Check the thermostat and replace if necessary. • Check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. • Check the switch and replace if necessary. • Check the timer control 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. • Check the heating element and replace if necessary. • Check the timer and replace if necessary. COUNT ON 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. ON ON ON ON AVERAGE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT COST† Air Conditioning w/Ductwork Water Heater Repair: $129 Replacement: $3,980 Repair: $131 Replacement: $3,790 Repair: $146 Replacement: $960 Main Electrical Panel Dishwasher Ranges/ Ovens/Cooktops Repair: $32 Replacement: $1,100 Repair: $138 Replacement: $700 Repair: $120 Replacement: $997 ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON Heating w/Ductwork D-B-GOOD-B-GONE FOO FO NE Built-in Microwave Garbage Disposal Repair: $104 Replacement: $450 Repair: $40 Replacement: $200 To learn more, contact us today: 800 485 0760 • ahs.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. Repair/Replacement costs are average U.S. costs as reported in A Study of Homeowners’ Appliance and Home Systems Service Experiences, a nationwide survey of homeowners conducted in 2015 by Decision Analyst for American Home Shield. Further reproduction or use 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. ©2015 American Home Shield Corporation and its licensed subsidiaries. All rights reserved. FG5