OPERATING SUGGESTIONS AND MAINTENANCE HINTS

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

THERMOSTAT SETTING - During the cooling season, set the thermostat at the temperature desired. Set the fan in the "AUTO" position. Set other indicator on "COOL." The air conditioning will automatically operate as needed. DO NOT turn indicator to the "OFF" position. Your A/C unit must be able to operate at anytime during a 24-hour period in order to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during peak outside temperatures. If for any reason you should turn the A/C unit off, wait at least five minutes before turning the unit on. This allows time for the pressures to equalize within the system. It is recommended that both heat and air conditioning be left on at all times. Turning systems off during the day when no one is at home will cost you more, because your systems will have to work very hard to bring the house back to your temperature. Also, turning systems off and on will cause house to continually expand and contract with change of temperature, causing cracks in walls and ceilings. This could also cost you extra money for repair.

FILTERS - Filters must be changed periodically in order to maintain proper airflow. (We recommend changing throwaway filters or cleaning permanent type filters when needed, but at least every 30 days.) A dirty filter can also damage your unit and may void the warranty and prove very costly.

WINDOWS - Keep windows closed and locked. Locking seals the top and bottom sash. Keep weep holes clear of debris.

DRAPES AND CURTAINS - Drapes and curtains help reduce heat buildup from direct sunlight.

FURNITURE - Furniture should be arranged so as not to interfere with air delivery from a register.

PLEASE REMEMBER: Checking filters and circuit breakers is the homeowner's responsibility. This is not included in your warranty. It is wise to turn your unit "OFF" in severe electrical storms. This may possibly avoid expensive repairs.

EMERGENCY SWITCH FOR GAS HEAT ONLY

MUST ALWAYS BE TURNED ON IN ORDER FOR THE HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING TO WORK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In rooms not provided with an overhead light fixture or ceiling fan, a wall switch controls one of the receptacles. The switch for your receptacle operates the top socket only; this allows you to have a lamp plugged in, so that it is controlled by the switch. It also allows this same receptacle to allow for a non-switch required electrical appliance such as a clock radio.

All circuits in your home are protected by automatic circuit breakers. No fuses are required. In case of electric failure, check your circuit breakers first. Reset any switch by first switching it to the "OFF" position and then returning it to the normal "ON" position. Repeated tripping of the breaker indicates a short circuit, either in the circuit itself, or possibly in an appliance operating on that circuit. If problem persist, notify the electrical subcontractor.

City Building Code requires that all rooms where water is used, i.e. bathrooms, kitchens, exterior, be installed on a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) circuit. This is to prevent electrical shock should water get into the outlets in these areas. The GFI is sensitive and may trip during periods of damp weather. The reset button for a GFI is usually located on an outlet in the kitchen, bathrooms, and one in the garage. Contact the electrical subcontractor if you are unable to locate this circuit. To reset this circuit simply push the reset button. If GFI will not reset you should then check the circuit breaker box. If the circuit breaker is working properly, notify the electrical subcontractor.

Some appliances you may purchase require individual circuits for best operation. If you plan to install additional major electrical appliances, we suggest that you check with a reliable electrical contractor to be certain that sufficient electric service is available for the appliance you choose.

GAS SYSTEM

WINTER: Thermostat should be set in the "AUTO" position and on heat. Check circuit breaker emergency switch and switch in the attic by the furnace. All should be in the on position.

ROOFING

The roof on your home is either seal-down asphalt shingles or seal-down fiberglass shingles. To help maximize the "functional lifespan" of your roof the following procedures should be followed:

Never interfere with the attic ventilation system as this can cause damaging heat and moisture build-up on the underside of the roofing.

Keep rain gutters free of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters cause water to back-up which results in leaks and de laminating of plywood sheathing edges.

Keep tree limbs clear of your roof.

Ensure that nothing is ever fastened to or punched through the roof.

BATHROOM AND KITCHEN CARE

Any exhaust fan and housing should be cleaned at least twice a year.

The acrylic and fiberglass (tub & showers) fixtures should last the lifetime of your home: however, the use of harsh abrasive cleaners may wear through the finish. Use only liquid non-abrasive cleaning preparations to maintain the finish. Polishing with a light coat of paste wax is also suggested. Chips and cracks occurring after the Completion Review (second walk-through) are not warranted.

Cultured marble surfaces should be cleaned with mild soap only. Polishing with a light coat of paste wax will help preserve the surface. Chips and cracks occurring after the Completion Review (second walk-through) are not warranted.

Vinyl floor tile can be cleaned with a mild non-abrasive detergent. Before waxing the floor, check with the vinyl floor manufacturer for their recommendations on which, if any, product to use. Damages occurring after the Completion Review (second walk-through) are not warranted.

Wood surfaces and cabinets should be cleaned using a product recommended for wood.

METAL AND COMPOSITE EXTERIOR DOORS

Metal and wood composite doors have a core of styro-foam insulation, and in addition to being more energy-efficient, this insulation helps keep the doors from warping. Since these doors are insulated, no aluminum storm doors are necessary. In fact, installation of a storm door can result in warping and distortion of the door and/or moldings due to extreme heat buildup on sunny days. Chesapeake Homes and manufacturer will not be responsible for such damage caused by storm doors.

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