Home Service Tips

Working together creates quality service!

Before you operate any device or appliance we want to be sure you understand how it works. Please do not hesitate to inform us of needed repairs. We want your apartment home to be a great place to live and we are here to provide you with quality Customer Service!

Operating your Water Shut-Off Valves

• In the event of any type of overflow or water flooding, please check for a shut off valve and close that before calling maintenance. Separate hot and cold shut off valves are located under the sinks. If the overflow is being caused by your commode, there is a "flapper" located in the toilet tank which can be secured over the opening and will stop the flow of water.
• Be sure to turn off the valve behind the commode to shut off the water.

Operating your AC/Heating Unit

• Your AC/Heat will work more efficiently if the temperature setting is adjusted to more moderate energy saving temperatures such as 68 degrees for winter and 78 degrees for summer in lieu of turning the unit off and setting it to the auto position.
• Your unit may take a few minutes to respond to a thermostat adjustment or when you first turn it on. If the unit does not respond after ten minutes, a service call may be necessary.
• Never flip the setting switch back and forth quickly. Your compressor is responding to each setting and such drastic changes can severely damage the unit. This will not only be costly, but can result in your unit being unavailable for cooling or heating while it is being repaired.
• When using your unit for the first time each season (i.e. heat in the winter and A/C in the summer) there will probably be an odor for the first day. This condition is normal and does not require maintenance.
• In order for your unit to run efficiently, the filter should be checked and changed regularly. Please see the office for assistance.
• If your A/C unit is blowing hot air please turn your thermostat to the off position and check your breaker box to make sure the breaker has not tripped. If the breaker is tripped flip it all the way off and then back on then turn your thermostat back on to the auto position. Should this not work and the hot air continues to blow turn the thermostat back off and call maintenance. Do not leave the unit running. It will burn up the compressor, which will delay us by having to order you a new one.

Operating your Dishwasher

• Do not over fill the soap dispenser, as this will cause the dishwasher to create too many suds, which will overflow onto the floor.
• Only use detergent that is specified for dishwasher use.
• Periodically run your dishwasher through a cycle with citric acid or vinegar to help clear the lines. Citric acid can be purchased at your local drug store. See the office if you need more assistance.
• You may find that your dishwasher leaves a small amount of water standing in the bottom of the unit after it has completed the cleaning cycle.This is normal and does not require a service call.
• It is necessary to run your dishwasher at least once a week to keep the motor from freezing up.
• Periodically you will need to wipe out the interior of the dishwasher, paying particular attention to the front of the unit where you find a build up of soap and hard water deposits. Use only mild, non-abrasive cleaner.

Operating your Garbage Disposal

• A good rule of thumb is that a garbage disposal can't digest anything a child can't digest.
• Please do not feed your disposal: celery, lettuce, onion peels, corn husk or corn silks, potato skins, artichoke leaves, grease, egg shell, coffee grounds, your dish cloth, bones of any kind, fish scales, glass, metal, rice, and oatmeal etc. (things that expand with liquid).
• You can freshen your disposal by grinding lemon or orange peels periodically. Ice cubes can help sharpen the blades of your disposal.
• Your disposal is probably equipped with a reset button. In the event of a jam (i.e. your dishcloth fell in the unit when it was running), turn off the power and clear the jam and then try the reset button. The reset button can usually be found on or near the bottom of the disposal unit. Located under the kitchen sink it is usually red in color. This should restore power. If the power is not restored, a service call may be in order.
• Water should always be run through the disposal while it is in use.
• Always keep your hands fingers clear of the disposal while it is in use.

Operating your Refrigerator

• Too many items at the rear of your refrigerator/freezer or an over filled refrigerator/freezer may cause food to freeze due to lack of circulation.
• A regular vacuuming of the rear and front vents of your refrigerator to remove "dust bunnies" will help it operate more efficiently, which in turn will save you money on your utility bill.
• It is important to keep the seals of your refrigerator clean and free of any material that will prevent the proper sealing of the door. This is an area that is commonly overlooked and often causes problems in cooling. A mild, non-abrasive solution (such as baking soda and water) is recommended for cleaning your refrigerator.

Range Use

• Drip pans underneath your burners should be cleaned with your normal weekly cleaning.
• If something cooks over make sure to clean the drip pan before the next use so as not to bake it into the drip pan. This will save you the expense of having to replace them. Inside your stove should be cleaned when you start to see residue in the bottom.
• If something bakes over be sure to clean out the oven before you use it again.

Vertical Blinds

• If your apartment is equipped with vertical blinds, please be sure you turn the blinds to open position before they are pulled back. This will prevent damaging your blinds.

Tubs

• Make sure to clean your tub and tile with your weekly cleaning to keep mold from forming. You can buy cleaners at the store that help prevent mold. It can be costly to you for us to come in and remove molded caulking, re-grouting your tile, etc.

Fireplace

• If your apartment has a fireplace make sure before starting a fire that the damper is in the open position.
• When not in use the damper should remain shut to prevent heat and A/C from escaping through your chimney.

Smoke Detector

• Test your smoke detector monthly. Replacement of batteries is your responsibility. Should your detector not appear to be in good working order, please notify the office immediately. Do not remove it from the wall.