Ventilation / HVAC Systems

• Forced Air Systems:
   
  • Disposable filters should be checked monthly; clean or replace as needed
  • Electronic filters should be checked monthly and cleaned as needed
  • Ensure all interior components are installed correctly after cleaning
  • Noisy blower sections should be brought to the attention of a technician
     
• Electric Heat:
   
  • Electric furnaces and boilers should be inspected by a qualified technician every year to ensure that all the components are operating properly and no connections are loose or burned
  • The circuit breakers in some electric systems can be checked by the homeowner
     
• Heating Ducts:
   
  • Have your ducts cleaned at least every 5 to 6 years, this keeps your furnace clean and will increase life expectancy
  • Make sure your ducts have no cracks or leaks in the ductwork and tape were needed
     
• Air Conditioner Units:
   
  • Check filters every month, depending on usage
  • Have annual system maintenance done one month before the air conditioning season begins
  • Keep the condensing unit free of debris
     
• Humidifiers:
   
  • Water levels in humidifiers should be checked and adjusted monthly
  • Interior components should be replaced on an as needed basis
  • The pad on drum type humidifiers should be replaced annually
  • The water supply to humidifier should be shut off for the summer months and activated for the heating months
  • On systems with air conditioning or a heat pump, the damper in the humidifier ductwork should be closed during the cooling season
  • In new homes, humidifier should not be used for first 12 to 18 months
     
• Gas Furnaces:
   
  • Call the gas company immediately if gas odor is detected 
  • Do not use any open flames or turn on any electrical equipment until checked 
  • Clean and service gas furnaces and boilers annually
  • Check exhaust pipes for loose or corroded sections
  • Check heat shield to ensure that it is not loose or corroded
  • Check for burn marks around the heat shield or soot on the front
     
    • May be an indicator of a draft or combustion problem
    • A technician should be contacted as soon as possible
       
  • Check filters every six months

Hot Water Systems

All types of furnaces and hot water systems should be inspected by a qualified technician every year to ensure that all the components are operating properly and no connections are loose or burned. 

• All Hot Water Systems:
   
  • Inspect radiators annually for leakage
  • Bleed air from radiators annually; repeat as needed during heating season
  • Lubricate circulating pumps twice during the heating season
  • Drain expansion tanks annually
     
• Water Heater: Drain tank at least once a year year and flush it out
   
  • Hook a garden hose up to the bottom drain valve
  • Place the garden hose where the water can safely drain, i.e. a flower bed, bath tub, or sump pump pit
  • Open the drain valve fully.  Do not close off the incoming cold water supply to the heater
  • Run water until it runs clear out of hose
  • Once clear, shut off bottom drain valve and remove hose
  • Remove heating elements; soak in vinegar; scrape off any scales

• Plumbing

  • Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilets
  • Check for corrosion and leaks under sinks

   

• Electrical

  • Do not overload circuits to prevent power outages
     
    • Do not plug too many appliances into any one circuit; check amperage if unsure of capacity
    • Periodically check all power cords for split or frayed wiring
  • Inspect and clean dust from smoke and carbon monoxide alarm covers annually

   

• Structure

  • Foundation Walls: Check for evidence of deterioration, dampness and movement
     
    • Minor dampness from moisture migration is a normal characteristic of most older foundation walls, resulting in minor surface deterioration
    • Inspect moisture and dampness levels semi-annually to monitor the situation
    • Fill cracks and voids as they appear; allows for easy monitoring of damage between inspections
    • Provide access hatches to all crawl space areas
    • Make sure all crawl spaces have vapor barriers / plastic on ground
  • Wood Framing: 
     
    • Inspect exposed wooden structural components for evidence of rot and insect infestation:
      • Basement
      • Attic
      • Roof beams
    • Deterioration can result in sagging structural components
       
  • Wall and Ceiling Surface Cracks:
      
    • Monitor surface cracks for evidence of significant movement
    • Anticipate minor movement due to normal settling and shrinkage
       
  • Door Frames:
      
    • Check door frames periodically to determine their square-ness
    • Door frames showing significant movement of frame over a six month period may indicate a more serious problems. Contact a technician as soon as possible

   

• Home Appliances

  • Refrigerator:
    • Clean interior shelves, shell and gaskets every 3 months
    • Verify temperatures setting are correct
    • Clean coils on the back or underneath once a year
       
  • Microwave Oven:
    • Do not use metal pans or dishes, or those with a metallic trim
    • Only use mild soap and water to clean the interior
       
  • Range and Oven:
    • Do not use extra-large / heavy cooking pots or pans to avoid burner damage
    • Use cleaning cycle of self-cleaning ovens only! Chemicals and other cleaning methods may damage oven surface
       
  • Washer and Dryer:
    • Clean the lint filter after each load of clothes has been dried
    • Check dryer vent pipe and clean every six months
    • To adjust the level of your washing machine, turn the legs clockwise to lower them or counter clockwise to raise them
       

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Homeowner Programs: Madison Custom Homes Inc., General Contactor, Construction Manager, Consultant, Indianapolis, McCordsville, Indiana