HVAC & Heat Pump Care Tips

✅ 1. Change the Air Filter Every 1–3 Months

A clean filter helps your system run efficiently and improves air quality.

🌡️ 2. Set Smart Temperatures

In summer: keep around 78°F

In winter: set around 68°F

Use a programmable thermostat if possible.

🌬️ 3. Keep Vents Clear

Don’t block vents with furniture or rugs—air needs to circulate.

🧼 4. Clean Around the Outdoor Unit

Remove leaves, weeds, or debris. Keep at least 2 feet of clearance.

🔍 5. Listen & Look for Issues

Strange noises, weak airflow, or bad smells? Report it early to avoid bigger problems.

🧰 6. Get Professional Maintenance Once a Year

Have a technician inspect and service the system annually.

Ah yes, the almighty dishwasher. Make it a godsend, not a nightmare.  Keep it running with these tips:

🍽️ Dishwasher Care Tips for Renters

✅ 1. Clean the Filter Monthly

Pull out the bottom rack and twist out the filter (if accessible).

Rinse it under hot water to remove food debris and prevent clogs.

💦 2. Wipe Down the Door and Seals

Use a damp cloth to clean around the door edges and rubber gasket.

This helps prevent odors and mold.

🧼 3. Run a Cleaning Cycle

Once a month, run the dishwasher empty with:

A store-bought cleaner or

1 cup of white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack

🍽️ 4. Scrape, Don’t Rinse

Scrape food off plates, but no need to rinse thoroughly.

Modern dishwashers clean better with a little residue.

🚫 5. Don’t Overload or Block the Spray Arms

Load dishes so water can reach all surfaces.

Avoid tall items blocking the spinning spray arms.

📣 6. Report Any Leaks or Issues Promptly

Small drips or drain problems can get worse fast—let your landlord know early.

 if your dishwasher goes unused for a week or more, dishwasher cleaner and deodorizer should be used to clean the interior of the machine. 

For the exterior, a damp sponge and a little detergent are all you need to get your dishwasher gleaming, or for stainless dishwashers use a stainless cleaner or cloth. Be careful not to overcrowd your dishwasher. Dishes won't get cleaned properly and some may even break in the insufficient space.

Basic Fridge Maintenance Tips

✅ 1. Set the Right Temperature

Keep the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C).

Freezer should be at 0°F (-18°C).

🧼 2. Clean Inside Monthly

Wipe shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water.

Toss old or expired food weekly.

🌀 3. Check the Door Seals

Close the door on a piece of paper. If it slips out easily, replace the gasket.

Clean seals regularly to prevent mold and wear.

🧽 4. Clean the Coils (2x/year)

Unplug the fridge.

Use a vacuum or coil brush to remove dust from coils (usually behind or underneath).

💨 5. Don’t Overpack

Air needs to circulate. Too much food blocks airflow and makes the fridge work harder.

💡 6. Check the Drip Pan & Drain Hole

Clear any clogs or buildup to prevent leaks and odors.

🔌 7. Power Outage?

Keep doors closed. A full fridge stays cold for 4 hours; freezer for 48 hours.

🔧 If your garbage disposal is not working:

✅ Step 1: Turn off the power

Turn off the disposal switch.

Unplug it from under the sink or turn off the circuit breaker to be extra safe.

🔴 Step 2: Press the reset button

Look for a small red button on the bottom of the disposal.

Press it firmly. If it was tripped, you should feel it click.

🔧 Step 3: Manually unjam it

Use a hex (Allen) wrench in the hole at the bottom center of the disposal.

Insert the wrench and turn it back and forth a few times.

If you don’t have a wrench hole underneath, use tongs or pliers from the top (never your hand!) to remove any jammed object.

💦 Step 4: Restore power and test

Plug it back in or flip the breaker back on.

Run cold water, then flip the disposal switch.

How to Shut Off the Main Water Valve

✅ 1. Find the Main Shut-Off Valve

Usually located:

In the basement, utility room, or crawl space

On the street-facing wall

Sometimes near the water heater

In warmer climates, it may be outside, near an exterior wall or in a box underground.

🔧 2. Turn the Valve Off

If it’s a round handle (wheel):

Turn it clockwise (to the right) until it stops.

If it’s a lever handle:

Turn the lever so it's perpendicular (90°) to the pipe.

💦 3. Check to Make Sure It’s Off

Turn on a faucet inside your home.

Water should stop flowing within a few seconds.

🔄 4. Turn It Back On When Ready

Slowly turn the valve counterclockwise or flip the lever back in line with the pipe.

Don't be scared of the p-word! General plumbing maintenance is actually quite simple. Make sure to keep all drains clear and flowing freely. This means avoiding pouring solids or oils into the kitchen sink. Hair in the shower or tub is also a must-remove. If you do get a clog, they are usually easily fixable with a plunger - a basic bathroom necessity

🪟 Window Care Tips for Renters

✅ 1. Keep Glass Clean

Use a basic glass cleaner or vinegar/water mix.

Wipe gently with a soft cloth—no harsh scrubbing.

🧽 2. Wipe Down Frames & Sills

Dust and moisture can build up.

Use a damp cloth and dry afterward to prevent mold or paint damage.

💨 3. Report Drafts or Leaks

Feel cold air coming in? See water after rain?

→ Let your landlord or property manager know—they may need to reseal or repair.

⚠️ 4. Don’t Force Stuck Windows

If a window won’t open or close easily, don’t yank it.

→ Report it so it doesn’t break.

🧴 5. Keep Tracks Clear

If the window slides, gently vacuum or brush out dust, dirt, or pet hair.

🧼 6. Avoid Covering Vents or Locks

Keep window locks visible and accessible.

Don’t tape over weep holes or drainage channels.

⚡ What to Do If You’re Having Electrical or Power Trouble

✅ 1. Check Your Breaker Box

Look for a tripped breaker (it’ll be in the middle position).

Flip it fully off, then back on.

💡 2. See If It's Just One Outlet

If only one outlet isn’t working, it may be a GFCI outlet that needs resetting.

Press the "RESET" button on the outlet (usually in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry areas).

🌆 3. Look Outside

Are nearby homes also dark?

→ It could be a neighborhood outage. Report it to the utility company.

🔌 4. Unplug and Wait

Unplug electronics during an outage to prevent power surge damage when it comes back on.

⚠️ 5. Never Touch Exposed Wires or Sparks

Stay away from any sparking or frayed wires.

Report it immediately to your landlord or property manager.

📞 6. Report Bigger Problems

Flickering lights, burning smells, or frequent breaker trips?

→ Let us  know — don’t try to fix it yourself.