Page 68 - KHovanian Homes - Pathway to Homeownership

Section 9 | Home Care & Maintenance 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. • Do not cover your unit with plastic in the wintertime. Condensation build-up will cause it to rust and decrease the life of your unit. • Check for leaks every month and, if identified, contact the HVAC contractor for repairs. Coolant appears as oil spots on fittings or tubing where the copper tubing connects interior and exterior sections. • Have your unit serviced yearly by an air conditioning specialist to keep it operating efficiently. HVAC - HEATING SYSTEM Your heating system should provide you with years of service if cared for properly. During the first six months it’s best to not over-heat your home as this can cause excessive shrinking of framing lumber and other natural materials. Begin with as little heat as possible and increase it gradually. Maintenance Guidelines • During the winter your home can vary approximately five to ten degrees from room to room. This is normal and is due to several variables, including the height of your walls and ceilings, the number of windows (including location), the number of windows with window coverings, and even the landscaping installed around your home. Temperatures also vary due to the amount of sun (heat) and shade (cool) that your home receives on a daily basis. • Your heating system is engineered specifically for your home. A direct fresh air duct to the furnace is installed to provide combustion air. This allows outside air to enter the furnace area to help prevent carbon monoxide build-up from the furnace and water heater. It is important that you keep all exterior combustion air vents free of debris like weeds, papers, bird nests, etc., and do not stuff the vent with rags or other materials that will hinder the system. Blocking the combustion air vents will cause the furnace to draw air down the vent pipe and pull poisonous gases back into your home. • 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. • Take time to read the instruction manual for your unit. Look for trouble-shooting tips specific to your unit. • If you turn your thermostat to “Heat” and nothing happens check the following: Make sure the main electric switch is “On” (the switch is at the furnace unit). If the switch is combined with a fuse, check to make sure the fuse is not burnt out. If it is, replace as needed. A gas unit still has electrical service to it. Then, check the breaker switch at the electrical panel box. Is it “tripped?” If not, make sure the unit’s doors are on correctly and securely, as the unit will not operate with the doors removed. If your unit still does not operate, and is outside the warranty period, call a heating specialist for service. However, if you are still in your one (1) year warranty this is considered an emergency. If this happens to you please refer to the Emergency Service Section in your Homeowner’s Guide for instructions. • Today, most heating systems feature an electronic ignition system, which means the pilot light does not require relighting by the homeowner. So, please do not try to relight this type of system! If you are unsure about the system that you have in your home refer to the owner’s manual for your unit. • Do not stack boxes or other materials around the furnace as they will impede its performance. • In the fall it is best to do a trial run of your system to make sure that it is operating. If service is needed it is much more convenient to discover it when the weather is still favorable. • While using your heating system you may hear some popping or pinging sounds. These are normal and a natural result of ductwork heating in response to air flow as the system operates. HVAC - REGISTERS (OR VENTS) If you live in a multi-level home during periods of excessive summer heat you will notice that the overall temperature will vary from room to room and floor to floor. In the summertime, you can help keep a steady 50 | Edition July 2019