Maintenance Tips

Test smoke detectors every month by pressing their test buttons. If your alarms use regular batteries, swap in fresh batteries at least once a year. A “chirping” sound means that it's time to change batteries. Most units require one 9-volt battery. If new batteries don’t stop the chirping, place a service request in your resident portal.
Testing smoke detectors is no trivial task. Have a fire escape plan in place and practice it with all the occupants.

Air filters should be changed every three months or more often if the unit has run more than average or if you have a pet. If you notice dust accumulating faster than usual, most likely it's time to switch the filter.
Replacing the filter regularly keeps the flow of air open and the systems running at peak efficiency. Date each filter when you install it so you will know when you last changed it.

If the unit will not turn on, check the breaker by sliding the breaker hard left and then back hard right into its active state.
Check the thermostat is in the correct heat/ac position.
Replace batteries if the thermostat is digital.
Check the switch located near the furnace is in the on position.
Change your air filter if there is little or no air coming out of the vents.
Ensure all unit covers are securely closed.
If the thermostat is on ac and warm air is coming out of the vents, set the thermostat to fan.
If you have gas heat, ensure your gas service is active.

Turn off the disposal immediately if it becomes clogged and will not spin.
Unplug the garbage disposal and check the breaker by sliding the breaker hard left to off before attempting to remove any debris from the garbage disposal. Always wear safety gloves to protect your hands from the garbage disposal’s sharp blades.
If there is no material in the disposal but the blades have become jammed, use the manual disposal tool or hex Allen wrench to dislodge the blades. Simply insert the tool from the bottom side of the disposal “under the sink” and rotate clockwise until the resistance frees up.
Turn the breaker on, plug the unit in, rinse with water, and turn the electric switch to disposal on until the disposal empties itself.
Always run water before and after disposal is in use.
If the disposal makes no noise when switched on, check the breaker by sliding the breaker hard left and then back hard right into its active state or make sure the unit hasn't become unplugged under the sink.

If the lights or power is off in part of the home, check the breaker by sliding the breaker hard left and then back hard right into its active state. Unplug any device that could have caused the overload.
If that doesn’t fix the issue, press the test and then the reset button on the GFCI outlet. Typical places to look for a GFCI outlet are the bathroom, kitchen, garage, and basement. There could be multiple GFCI outlets in the home. Start with the one nearest to the power outage.
If there is no power throughout the home, contact the utility company.

In case of an emergency and the water cannot be contained, turn the main water shut-off valve clockwise to shut off the water. This is normally near your water heater.
If a toilet is running or potentially going to overflow, use the valve behind the toilet to shut off the water.
If a toilet is clogged, use a plunger to dislodge and clear the blockage. If the water level is too high to insert a plunger, simply wait for 15-20 minutes for the water level to drop enough to effectively use the plunger.
If little or no hot water, check the dial on the water heater to ensure it is not on “Vacation" or "Low” setting. Turn the dial to the right and set it to the manufactures recommended setting.
If gas service was recently disrupted to the home, it may be necessary to relight the pilot light on the water heater.