Page 66 - KHovanian Homes - Pathway to Homeownership

Section 9 | Home Care & Maintenance GROUT Grout is a porous material that is used with tile. On your floors, countertops, and showers, grout is the material between the tiles. It should be inspected periodically for cracks and holes. If either is present the area needs to be re-grouted. Maintenance Guidelines • When cleaning grout never use bleach or any other harsh chemical. It will break down the grout and discolor the area. • Dropping heavy objects, like canned goods, on a tile surface can crack the grout and tile. So be careful when putting groceries away as cracked tiles are not a warrantable item. HVAC - HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING The heating and air conditioning equipment was installed by the HVAC Contractor. All systems provide year-round climate control and consist of a thermostat to control temperature, a basic furnace unit to heat the air, a filter to cleanse the air, plus a fan unit to distribute and circulate air throughout the home via ducts and registers. Air conditioners have an outdoor unit that transfers heat away from the home. It is important to read the Manufacturer’s Service Manuals, operating instructions, maintenance guidelines, warranties, and energy-saving recommendations. Where appropriate fill out and return the Warranty Registration Cards to the manufacturer. Along with dirty air filters, another common cause of HVAC system failure is long periods of non-use. If your home is a second home, or if you are away for extended periods, make sure that the HVAC system is maintained at a temperature that will not cause damage to the water lines or wood floor products in your home. Maintenance Guidelines • As equipment technology frequently changes, the Manufacturers’ Service Manuals will supersede all recommendations and procedures contained in this Homeowner’s Guide. • The heating and cooling system can be adjusted and balanced to meet individual temperature preference. Balancing is the process of adjusting the louvers of a floor register to allow or restrict flow into a given room. Rooms used infrequently can be restricted allowing more airflow to rooms more frequently occupied. When the right balance is achieved utility bills and wear and tear on the heating system are reduced. • The blower door panel must be positioned correctly for the furnace blower (fan) to operate. The door panel depresses a button that tells the blower it is safe to operate. If the door panel is not on tightly the fan will not come on. • Schedule a yearly service checkup by a licensed contractor to ensure maximum efficiency and prolong the life of your system. HVAC - THERMOSTAT Your thermostat is either a mechanical or programmable thermostat. Mechanical thermostats work on a constant on/off basis, while programmable thermostats can be programmed to turn your systems on and off several times during a 24 hour period. Mechanical thermostats basically have two settings - “Auto” or “Fan On.” “Auto” means that the thermostat will turn on either the heating or cooling system, including the fan, when your home reaches a temperature that you set. “Fan On” means the fan for both systems will run continually, circulating air through the house. The thermostat will turn on either the heating or cooling system when your home falls above or below the temperature that you set. Programmable thermostats provide many options allowing you to program your air conditioning and heating systems around your lifestyle. If you have this thermostat unit take a moment to read the manual that came with it. It will help you understand how to reduce your monthly heating or cooling bills and keep your system running smoothly. The thermostat installed in your home is protected by a manufacturer warranty that may extend beyond our first year coverage. Should you experience problems beyond the first year of occupancy, please contact the manufacturer or an HVAC contractor. 48 | Edition July 2019