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Home > Resources > Maintenance Tips
Maintenance Tips
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
Keeping your air conditioning and heating systems in top working order will help keep your utility bills lower, your home more comfortable, and you’ll need to call for repairs less often.
Maintenance Scheduling
Schedule a maintenance service call prior to the weather getting really hot. If there are problems with your system, it is in your best interest to find out before it’s sweltering outside! We recommend that you have your air conditioning system serviced twice a year.
Filters
Replace your air filters every month that they’re in use. Operating your system with old, moldy, or dirty filters means energy is wasted, less effective filtering and your system may become damaged.
System Checks
- To maximize the performance of your AC system, be sure to keep the registers and vents throughout the house free of dirt, dust, and pet hair by vacuuming them regularly – at least once a year.
- Listen for any unusual sounds when your heating or air conditioning system kicks in. If you hear odd sounds, contact your service professional so you can head off problems before they become serious and potentially costly.
- Set your ceiling fan at its slowest speed for the winter months and reverse it in order to gently push warm air down from the ceiling without generating a breeze.
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
An ounce of prevention will help keep your home’s plumbing in top working order – and you’ll avoid costly repairs!
Faucets and Sinks
- Even the smallest drips can result in the waste of thousands of gallons of water, as much as 100 gallons a day! Be sure to regularly check under sinks for moisture on the pipes or small leaks. By repairing leaky faucets right away you will be able to avoid paying for wasted water, and avoid water damage to your pipes and fixtures.
- Make sure overflow holes on tubs and vanity are kept clear and open to prevent water damage to floors and ceilings.
- Remove and clean your faucet aerators once a year to ensure an even flow of water.
Water Heater
- Always shut off the power before beginning any maintenance on your water heater. Be sure to read your owner’s manual.
- Drain the water from you tank at least once every three months. Sediment builds up over time at the bottom of the heater and this can hamper performance – draining a gallon or so will help remove the sediment.
- Have your water heater inspected at least once every two years by a service technician. They will also check the drain valve for signs of leakage, and the anode rods for corrosion
Toilets
- Over time even a small toilet leak can be expensive and wasteful. A good practice is to check your toilet for leaks at least once a year by adding some red food coloring to the water tank, and then checking the toilet bowl later. If the toilet bowl water is colored red, water is trickling through from the tank. If it is leaking, save yourself some money by replacing the tank ball.
Clogs
- By fitting all your tubs and shower drains with a strainer that catches hair and soap chips, and cleaning the strainer regularly you can prevent clogs and avoid serious repairs.
- You should not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink. Liquid fats solidify in the cold pipes and will cause clogs.
- Avoid using caustic liquid drain openers (like Liquid Plumber or Drano) on a drain that is completely clogged. The caustic ingredients can become trapped in your pipes, and cause serious damage. If you can’t snake the drain yourself, call a professional to do so.
Garbage Disposal
You can easily extend the life of your garbage disposal by:
- Using plenty of cold water when running it
- Making sure you avoid overloading it
- Never disposing of things like corn husks or bones
- Never using a caustic drain opener product
