If you are a first time home buyer, chances are you are moving from a rental or other location where the maintenance was done for you. But, now, it’s all up to you!
The good news: with a newly constructed house from Hartz Homes, with its all new state-of-the-art systems, you are way ahead of the game. Having said that, there are five very basic maintenance items you’ll want to know.
1. How to change your air filters
Changing your air filters regularly is important to maintain air quality. For new construction, consider changing your filters every few weeks at first, because of the initial drywall dust. After the first month or two, just follow the recommended changing schedule provided by the brand of air filter you bought. Typically, the recommendation is every three to six months for people without pets or allergies; if you have pets or allergies, every 30 to 90 days is best. The size of replacement filter to buy will be printed on the old one, for example 10”x20”x1”.
2. How to change the temperature on your water heater
Many manufacturers set water-heater thermostats to reach 140 degrees, but most houses need only a maximum of 120. Setting the thermostat to a lower temperature prevents the potential of scalding, slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your heater and pipes, and can save on your annual energy bill. Plus, it’s as easy as turning down the dial. See how to do it.
3. How to find a wall stud
It’s important to locate wall studs, which are vertical wood boards behind your drywall, when you hang heavy items in your new home — including TV wall mounts, shelves that will support significant weight, or even a heavy mirror. Luckily, technology has made it pretty simple to do this — for around $10 at a hardware or home improvement store, you can purchase a stud finder that will help you locate the boards. Pro tip: Studs are almost always spaced either 16 or 24 inches apart.
4. How to maintain your appliances
Knowing how to properly clean and maintain your appliances is key to extending their life span. Always refer to the product manuals for this information. If you misplace your manual, don’t sweat it. You can always look up the manual online.
If your refrigerator is equipped with an ice maker and water dispenser, make sure you routinely replace the water filter. Again, use the manual to determine the correct filter model and how to replace it. Next, regularly clean your dryer vent of lint buildup — in the lint trap, behind the lint trap, and in the duct that leads to the outside of your home. Also, clean your dishwasher filter or trap (depending on your dishwasher model). And finally, learn how to unclog the garbage disposal.
5. How to shut off your water
Locate the main water valve in your home and learn how to shut it off — it’s as simple as turning the handle to the right. Also, know how to turn off the water at your faucets and toilets. If you can shut off your water quickly, you can prevent thousands of dollars in damage in an emergency.
Please check out these new home communities from Hartz Homes:
Armitage Pointe of Addison, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)1
Bella Vista Townhomes of Bolingbrook, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Heather Glen of New Lenox, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Hibernia of New Lenox, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Lago Vista of Lockport, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Leigh Creek of New Lenox, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Manchester Cove of Mokena, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Marquis Pointe of Montgomery, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Marywood Meadows of Montgomery, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Nantucket Lakes of New Lenox, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Oliviabrook of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Park West of Manteno, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Playa Vista of Plainfield, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Sky Harbor of New Lenox, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Whisper Creek of Mokena, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Hartz Homes has new home communities in:
Addison, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Aurora, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Bolingbrook, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Lockport, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
New Lenox (Chicago area new home construction)
Manteno, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Mokena, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Montgomery, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Plainfield, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Oakbrook Terrace (Chicago area new home construction)