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
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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.
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