Always replace the batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year—choose holidays or family birthdays as reminders.
Unplug small electrical appliances, such as blenders, toasters, etc. after using them.
Check appliance hoses and ventilation according to the owner’s manuals.
Sanitize small electrical appliances after each use; unplug and allow them to cool before cleaning.
Use only distilled water in steam irons to prevent mineral buildup.
Strap the water heater firmly to wall studs to avoid it from moving during an earthquake.
Plumbing
Repair minor drips and leaks as they occur. Don’t allow the problem to develop into a major issue.
Invest in quality shower heads and faucets as they last longer and over the course of their lives they pay for themselves.
Avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper down the toilet.
Dishwasher
Use dishwasher detergent in recommended amounts. Load the dishwasher properly and run only when you have a full load.
Load more fragile items on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Garbage Disposal
Do not put fibrous foods down the disposal, including celery, corn husks, and potato skins. Never put rice (uncooked or cooked) down the garbage disposal.
To freshen your disposal, occasionally grind a half lemon or lime while running cold water.
Run a strong flow of cold water through the garbage disposal throughout grinding and for at least 30 seconds after turning off the grinder.
Oven
If you have a self-cleaning oven, do not use any other method to clean it.
Clean the interior of your oven regularly.
Refrigerator/Freezer
Clean refrigerator compartments regularly, even though they do not not require defrosting.
Wipe up spills in the refrigerator promptly to avoid staining and odors.
Clean coils with a condenser coil brush.
Once a year slide, the refrigerator out and vacuum around and beneath it.
Defrost freezers about once a year, before the frost is 1/2 inch thick on the inside walls and then clean. Use a plastic or wooden scraper, not a sharp instrument to clean.
When storing items in the door, place the heaviest items closest to the hinge side; this will reduce stress on the door and inner door panel when it is opened and closed.
Heating/Air Conditioning
Have the heating/cooling systems serviced annually.
Check the filters on your heating/cooling unit and clean or replace them as needed.
Do not operate an air conditioner unit or furnace on an extension cord! The compressor draws a lot of current and can be damaged if insufficient voltage is continually supplied.
Pools/Spas/Hot Tub
• Keep proper water levels at all times.
• Maintain chemical balance.
• Clean basket strainers regularly
Cooktop/Range/Hood
Keep gas burners free of dirt and debris.
Clean the exposed metal of the range hoods regularly with sudsy water. Do not use abrasive pads or scouring powders, as they may scratch the finish.
Occasionally clean the metal filter in warm, soapy water. Charcoal filters should be replaced once a year.
Never spray cleaners directly onto the control panel. Put some cleaner on a soft, damp rag and then wipe the surface.
Microwave Oven
Do not use metal pans or containers with metal trims.
Clean the microwave oven and removable glass shelves regularly; food residue keeps reheating and can cause the glass shelves to break.
Clean around the microwave door to prevent soil buildup, which could keep the door from closing tightly.
Only use a mild soap and/or baking soda mixture to clean the interior to avoid damaging the lining.
Don’t let another day pass without protecting your home with an ARW home warranty plan.
Home Warranty coverage, in all states EXCEPT CA, VA, FL, IA, WA and TX, is provided and administered by AIG WarrantyGuard, Inc., 500 West Madison, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60606-6613. Exclusions and limitations apply. See Terms and Conditions for details on coverage and exclusions. OR License #208059. For water line, sewer line or well pump coverage please see these Terms & Conditions.
For CA Residents: coverage is provided and administered by AMT Home Protection Company, 2200 Highway 121, Suite 100, Bedford, TX 76021 (CA Company ID No. 5875-0). For FL, IA, TX, VA and WA Residents: coverage is provided and administered by TMI Solutions, LLC, 360 Market Place, Roswell, GA 30075 (FL Company ID No. 07807, Lic. No. 16-270501457; IA Company ID No. 130327; TX Lic. No. 171; VA Company ID No. SC018; WA Cert. of Reg. No. 500670). See the TMI/AMT Program Terms & Conditions for additional information.
Ultimate Electronics Protection Plan is provided and administered by Asurion Service Plans, Inc., whose address is P.O. Box 061078, Chicago, IL 60606-1078, telephone 1-866-856-3882, in all states and the District of Columbia except Florida. In Florida, the company obligated under this Plan is Asurion Service Plans of Florida, Inc., P.O. Box 061078, Chicago, IL 60606-1078, telephone 1-866-856-3882. Exclusions and limitations apply. See Ultimate Electronics Protection Plan Terms and Conditions for details on coverage and exclusions.