Since the air conditioning system is combined with the heating system, the maintenance suggested for your furnace should be followed. In addition, the manufacturer's Owners Manual specifies maintenance for the "condenser" unit. This should be reviewed and followed.
Air conditioning can add much to the comfort of your home, but it can be used improperly or inefficiently, resulting in wasted energy and frustration. These hints and suggestions are provided to help you maximize your air conditioning system.
Whole-House System
To fully and efficiently utilize your air conditioning system, you must understand that it is a total, whole-house system. The air conditioner unit is the mechanism in your home, which produces cooler air. The air conditioning system involves everything inside your home including, for example, drapes and windows.
Closed System
Your home air conditioning is a closed system, which means that the interior air is continually recycled and cooled until the desired air temperature is reached. Warm outside air disrupts the system and makes cooling impossible. Therefore, you must keep all windows closed. The heat from the sun shining through windows with open drapes is intense enough to overcome the cooling effect of the air conditioning unit. Drapes must be closed on these windows.
Time
Time is of paramount importance in your expectations of an air conditioning system. Unlike a light bulb, which reacts instantly when you turn on a switch, the air conditioning unit only begins a process when you set the thermostat.
For example, if you come home at 5:30 p.m. on a day when the temperature has reached 90 degrees, and then set your thermostat to 75 degrees, the air conditioning unit will begin cooling, but will take much longer to reach the desired temperature. During the whole day the sun has been heating not only the air in the house, but the walls, the carpet, and the furniture.
At 5:30 p.m. the air conditioning unit starts cooling the air, but the walls, carpet, and furniture release heat and nullify this cooling. By the time the air conditioning unit has cooled the walls, carpet, and furniture, you may well have lost patience.
Evening Cooling
If evening cooling is the primary goal, you should set the air conditioning thermostat at a moderate temperature in the morning while the house is cooler, allowing the unit to maintain the cooler temperature through the day.
The temperature setting may then be lowered slightly when you arrive home, with better results. Setting the thermostat at 60 degrees will NOT cool the home any faster and can result in the unit "freezing up" and not performing at all. Extended use under these conditions can damage the unit.
Adjust Vents
You will find it advantageous to adjust the cooling vents to maximize airflow to occupy parts of the home. Likewise, when the seasons change, it will probably be necessary to readjust them for comfortable heating.
Compressor Level
It is important to maintain the A/C compressor in a level position. (See "Grading & Drainage")
Limited Warranty
When air conditioning is included in the home, the system should be capable of maintaining a temperature of 78 degrees or a differential of 15 degrees from the outside temperature, measured in the center of each room at a height of five (5) feet above the floor. Lower temperature settings are often possible but are not promised by the manufacturer or Signature Homes.
Non-Emergency
Lack of air conditioning service is not an emergency. Problems will be handled by the heating and air conditioning contractor in the order received.
Compressor
It is important to maintain the A/C compressor in a level position. If it "settles" during the first year, Signature Homes will correct this. After the first year, the Homeowner must maintain it.
Read and follow all manufacturer requirements for each appliance in your home.
Limited Warranty
All appliance warranties are assigned to you at the closing. The appliances are warranted directly to you in accordance with the terms and conditions of the written warranties supplied by the manufacturers.
Registration
Mail warranty registration cards directly to the manufacturer.
Manufacturer Service
If a problem arises with an appliance, call the customer service number listed in the manufacturer's warranty. When reporting warranty items to the appliance manufacturer, be prepared to supply the following:
- The date of purchase (closing)
- The serial and model numbers (found on a metal plate on side or bottom of each appliance)
- A description of the problem.
The attic space is not intended for storage. Access is provided for purposes of maintaining mechanical equipment that may obstruct the attic space. When performing any needed tasks in the attic, caution should be used not to step off wood members onto the drywall. This can result in personal injury and/or damage to the ceiling below.
Using the attic area for storage will cause insulation to become compressed, therefore losing the R-value of insulation.
Attic ventilation through the roof or siding is required by building codes and therefore cannot be omitted. Occasionally, depending on the force and direction of the wind, rain will infiltrate through these vents causing spotting on the ceiling. Signature Homes is not responsible for such weather damage and will not make repairs in these instances.
We recommend that you do not use any oil-based products to clean or polish your cabinets. Dust cabinets regularly and clean up spills immediately.
Upper cabinets are hung from a wall using screws or nails. By stacking heavy dishes and glassware in upper cabinets, a homeowner can load the cabinet beyond its capacity. This can result in sagging shelves, or worse yet, detachment of the cabinet from the wall. Heavy china and cookware should always be placed in the lower cabinets.
Hinge
If hinges catch, or drawer glides become sluggish, a small amount of lubricant will improve their action.
Limited Warranty Warping
Warped doors or drawer fronts will be corrected if warpage is in excess of 1/8" within 24".
Wood Grain
Readily noticeable variations in wood grain and color are expected in all style selections. Replacements will not be made due to such variations.
Surface Damage
Chips, scratches, and other surface flaws noted on the orientation list will be repaired, thereafter, it will not be warranted by Signature.
Vacuuming high traffic areas daily will not only keep them clean but will help to maintain the upright position of the nap. Spills should be wiped up and stains spot cleaned immediately. Always dab at the stain, never rub it. Stain removers should be tested first on an out of the way area of the carpet, such as in a closet, to check for any undesirable effects. Professional cleaning should be performed as needed.
Limited Warranty
Stains or spots noted on the orientation list will be corrected by cleaning, patching, or replacement. Signature Homes will not be responsible for dye lot variations if replacements are made.
Time and weather will shrink caulking and dry it out so that it no longer provides a good seal against moisture and air infiltration. As a matter of routine maintenance, it is wise to check the caulking and make repairs as needed. Caulking compounds and dispenser guns are available at hardware stores. It is important that you maintain a good barrier to prevent potential leaks, dry rot, or mildew.
Silicone Caulk
Caulking that contains silicone will not accept paint but works best where water is present (for example, where tub meets tile or a sink meets a countertop).
Latex Caulk
Latex caulking is appropriate for an area that requires painting (along the stair stringer or where a counter top backsplash meets the wall).
The ceramic tile installed on walls or countertops in your home may be washed with any nonabrasive soap or detergent; abrasive cleaners will dull the finish.
Ceramic tile floors are one of the easiest of floor coverings to care for. Simply vacuum when needed. Occasionally a wet mopping with warm water may be appropriate. Do not add detergent to the water. If you feel a cleaning agent is required, use a mild solution of warm water and dishwasher crystals (they will not result in a heavy, difficult to remove lather on the grout). Rinse thoroughly.
Separations
It is natural for slight separations to occur in the grout between tiles. Cracks in the grout can be filled using premixed grout which can be purchased from flooring or hardware stores. Follow package directions. Color of new grout will vary from the original even though the color and brand are the same.
Grout Discoloration
Grout that becomes yellowed or stained can be cleaned with a fiber brush, cleanser and water. Grout cleansers and whiteners are available at most hardware stores. DO NOT USE BLEACH!
Separations
Tile around bathtubs, shower pans or countertops may appear to be pulling up after a time. This is caused by normal shrinkage of grout or caulk. If this occurs, the best remedy is to purchase "tub caulk" or premixed grout from a hardware store. Follow directions on the container. This maintenance is important to protect the underlying surface from water damage.
Sealing Grout
Sealing grout is a Homeowner decision and responsibility. Be aware that once grout has been sealed, ongoing maintenance of that seal will be necessary. As well, limited warranty coverage on grout that has been sealed is void.
Limited Warranty
Cracked, badly chipped, or loose tiles noted on orientation will be repaired or replaced, as needed. Signature Properties is not responsible for variations in color or discontinued patterns. New grout may vary in color from the original.
Cracks appearing in grouting of ceramic tiles at joints or junctions with other materials are commonly due to normal shrinkage conditions. Signature Homes will repair grouting, if necessary, one time during the first year.
Signature Homes is not responsible for color variations in grout or discontinued colored grout. Any grouting or caulking that is needed after that time is considered Homeowner maintenance.
Foundation
The foundation of your home has been designed and installed in accordance with the recommendations of our consulting engineer. Even though the foundation has been designed by an engineer and constructed in accordance with engineering requirements, cracks can still develop in the foundation. Unless there is water seepage coming through such a crack, it is most likely a surface crack and will not be detrimental to the structural integrity of your home.
Flatwork
To properly care for your exterior concrete, always be aware of areas where water is collecting and fill these in. Do not allow downspouts to drain in such a way that the water will get under the concrete. Seal any cracks in control joints or surface areas immediately with a flexible colored sealant. Color variations will occur if any repair work is needed, this is unavoidable.
Cracks
Although we use accepted construction procedures for the installation of concrete flatwork, this does not guarantee there will be no cracking. Cracking in concrete is inherent nature of a cement product, and no matter how careful the builder is, cracking will occur and is unavoidable. The warranty does not cover concrete cracks. Where cracking is covered by the warranty, the repair provided is sealing with concrete caulk. Concrete is not replaced due to cracking. There are many reasons that concrete cracks and most are not related to any structural problems.
By maintaining good drainage away from your home, you are protecting your home's foundation. Maintenance of drainage away from all concrete slabs will minimize cracking and other forms of movement. Cracks in slabs should be sealed with a waterproof concrete caulk to prevent moisture from penetrating to the soil beneath.
Cracking in the concrete flatwork is often caused by extreme cold. During the summer, moisture finds its way under the concrete along the edges, or through cracks in the surface. In winter, this moisture forms frost that can lift the concrete, increasing or causing more cracking.
Expansion Joints
Expansion joints have been used to help control expansion; however, concrete is also susceptible to shrinking. If the concrete shrinks, moisture can penetrate under the concrete and lift the expansion joint. If this occurs, you can fill the gap with a gray silicone sealant.
Chemicals
Protect your concrete from abuse by chemical agents such as pet urine, fertilizers, radiator overflow, and repeated hosing. All of these items can cause spalling of concrete.
A concrete sealer, available at paint stores, will help you keep an unpainted concrete floor clean. Do not use soap on unpainted concrete. Plain water or hot water, or if necessary, a scouring powder should be used.
Efflorescence (White Powder)
Efflorescence on concrete surfaces is considered acceptable. This condition is caused when the lime in the cement reacts with the moisture in the air. The most common places that you will see this is on the garage floor and foundation walls. It can be removed with a brush and water, and for more stubborn areas, brush area with a mixture of once cup of white vinegar to a bucket of water.
Sweeping/Cleaning
Do not wash patios, porches, drive, etc. with cold water from an outside faucet when temperatures are extremely high and the hot sun has been shining on the concrete. The abrupt change in temperature can damage the surface bond of the concrete. Sweeping is the recommended method of keeping exterior concrete clean. If washing is necessary, do this when temperatures are moderate.
Cleaning of the garage floor by hosing can cause settling, spalling, and increase soil movement by allowing water to penetrate any existing cracks. Sweeping is the recommended method for keeping the garage clean.
Heavy Vehicles
Do not permit heavy vehicles such as moving vans or concrete trucks to drive on your concrete work. This concrete is not intended to bear the weight of this type of vehicle.
Limited Warranty
Foundation Cracks
Shrinkage or backfill cracks are not unusual in foundation walls. Signature Homes will repair, as needed, cracks which are in excess of 1/8" in width, provided the Homeowner has complied with drainage and landscaping requirements.
Cosmetic Imperfections
Slight cosmetic imperfections in foundation walls, such as a visible seam where two pours meet or slight honeycombing (aggregate visible) are possible and will not be repaired.
Flatwork
Flatwork includes basement and garage floors, porch, patio, driveway, and sidewalk.
Concrete slabs are "floating,"--they are not attached to the home's foundation walls. These are not a structural (load bearing) element of the home and are not covered by the ten-year structural warranty. If your home has a concrete slab, the limited warranty coverage is for one year unless the requirements of your loan state otherwise.
Cracking Not Warranted
CONCRETE FLATWORK IS NOT WARRANTED AGAINST CRACKING. CONCRETE SLABS ARE NOT REPLACED DUE TO CRACKING.
Garage Slab
The garage slab is designed to float (with the exception of post tension foundations in which the garage slab is integrated) - - it can move without affecting the foundation. Movement and the resulting cracking will be minimized by proper installation and maintenance of landscaping. Signature Homes will fill cracks that reach 1/4" in width one time during the warranty year. Thereafter, this is homeowner maintenance.
Settling or Heaving
Excessive settling, heaving (over 1") and/or cracking should be reported in writing so that an inspection can be made. Settling, heaving, or cracking is deemed excessive if it results in negative (toward the house) drainage, or hazardous vertical displacement.
Grade Changes
If Homeowner changes the grading, drainage, landscape design, or fails to perform needed maintenance that has caused the damage, corrective measures will be suggested, but Homeowner will be responsible for their implementation.
Spalling
Repeated hosing of concrete for cleaning, animal urine, radiator overflow, fertilizer, are some of the causes of spalling. Signature Homes is not responsible for repair of spalling caused by these conditions.
Cleaning of the garage floor by hosing can cause settling, spalling, and increase soil movement by allowing water to penetrate any existing cracks. Signature Homes will not be responsible for repairs needed due to such action.
Always use a cutting board when cutting, chopping, etc. Protect the counter from heat and extremely hot pans: if you cannot put your hand on it, do not put it on the counter.
Cleaners
Avoid abrasive cleaners that will damage the luster of the surface.
Caulking
The caulking around the edge of your countertops and between the countertops and the sink may shrink, leaving a slight gap. Refer to "Caulking" for maintenance hints for this condition.
Cosmetic Damage
Any major surface imperfections--chips, cracks, scratches, etc.--reported on the orientation list will be repaired by Signature Homes. Repairs of any damages not on the orientation list will be the Homeowner's responsibility.
Laminates
Laminated countertops typically will have one or more discernible seams. There should be no gap at the seams.
Man-made Marble & Corian
Man-made marble and Corian countertops should be installed without chips or gouges.
Limited Warranty
Separations of countertops at walls and the backsplash are the result of normal shrinkage of materials. Separation at the wall or at the counter in excess of 1/16" will be repaired by caulking and subsequently will be a Homeowner responsibility.
Dampness is commonly experienced in the crawl space. Landscaping that is correctly installed will prevent excessive amounts of water from entering crawl spaces. Standing water should be reported to Signature Homes for inspection. (See also, "Vents") Corrective landscaping measures will be suggested, but homeowner will be responsible for implementation.
If your home has a concrete slab foundation, this section is not applicable.
During business hours, homeowners must report all emergencies to the Signature Homes' Customer Service office. After hours, weekends or holidays, homeowners may contact the Customer Service department through our after hours emergency service number. An on-call customer service representative will return your call within one hour and offer assistance.
Signature Homes Emergency Number: 1-800-574-0403
Signature Properties defines an emergency situation as follows:
- Total loss of heat when outside temperature is below 45 degrees.
- Total loss of electricity. (Check with the utility company prior to reporting the circumstance to Signature Properties or an electrician.)
- A plumbing leak that requires the entire water supply to be shut off.
- Total loss of water. (Again, check with your water department to be certain the problem is not a general outage in the area.)
- Gas leak. Contact a plumber or the utility company if the leak is at the furnace or water heater supply lines.
Also, It is important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and human-caused disasters can strike suddenly, at any time and anywhere. There are three actions everyone can take that can help make a difference: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed.
For more information on how you and your family can prepare for an emergency, please visit www.RedCross.org.
- Clean and test smoke alarms.
- Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.
- Change or clean the furnace filter.
- Operate the heating system.
- Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies.
- Check windows for proper operation and weather tightness, including weep-holes.
- Adjust or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed.
- Check the fit of exterior doors; thresholds are adjustable—use a quarter to turn the screws.
- Check caulking, inside and out, and touch-up.
- Inspect chimney for nests.
- Review safe fireplace operation. Provide professional cleaning at regular intervals.
- Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by a professional.
- Inspect roofing components including valleys for debris, vents for leaks, and build-up of organic material.
- Clean gutters, check downspouts; confirm that splashblocks drain away from the house.
- Check foundation, concrete, and yard for settling; fill in as needed for positive drainage.
- Check exterior drains prior to first heavy rain.
- Reduce irrigation timers to reflect seasonal requirements.
- On pleasant days, open windows to allow house to breathe.
- Decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords.
- If you have any questions please refer to your Signature Homes Homeowner Manual, “Caring for Your Home” section, or call our office for information.
Every Signature home not only features the special design of award-winning architects and the labor of experienced craftsmen, but also only the highest quality building materials. Before we use any material, it must meet our strict standards and specifications for quality and durability, and all work is done under expert supervision to ensure your new home is of the highest quality.
A home is one of the last "hand built" products left in the world. Home building is part art, part science and part hard labor. Although your home features quality materials and workmanship, every home requires care and attention, and general homeowner maintenance is essential to providing a quality home for a lifetime.
