TROUBLESHOOTING
Many common problems can be resolved by the Tenant. Please read through the following tips to see if you can fix the problem yourself before submitting a maintenance request.
Still have a problem? Submit maintenance request here
Heat or Cooling Air Filter
Air filters are located in homes with heating or cooling systems that blow air. If you have baseboard heat, you will not have an air filter. If you fail to change the air filter regularly, it becomes clogged and difficult for your heating system to draw air. If left long enough, it may cause the furnace to shut down completely. You should change the air filter(s) every 3 – 6 months. If you do not know how to locate your filter(s), please contact the office for assistance.
Oven Problems
- Check the “Time-bake” setting on the unit. If the oven is in “Time-Bake” mode it will not heat.
- Is the oven in self-clean mode?
- If the oven does not work in Bake mode, try turning it to Broil and see if it works.
- Did you accidentally switch the temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius?
- You can also attempt to find the User Manual by searching Google for the make and model
- Turn the disposal ON and listen. Is it completely quiet, or does it make a slight humming noise?
- If it makes no noise, try using the “RESET” button located on the bottom of the disposal. Push the button all the way in and then try using the disposal again to see if that fixes the problem.
- If the disposal makes a humming noise but does not spin, it is probably jammed. Try looking inside with a flashlight to see if anything is visibly stuck.
- Unplug the disposal underneath the sink to ensure it has no power. Use long pliers or another grabbing tool to remove any items jammed in the blades. Do not stick your hand inside!
- Put a broom handle or wooden spoon inside the disposal. Try giving it a gentle twist to break the blades loose. Do not use extreme force.
- Is the thermostat set to “COOL” and fan set to “AUTO”?
- Is the temperature adjusted low enough?
If the unit is running but only blows warm air, try these tips:
- Check the filter. See video link below for details.
- Check the thermostat to ensure your temperature is turned down low enough.
- Check the condenser line. This is a copper line about as thick as a pencil and located outside next to the blower. It should be warm to the touch. If it is hot then you need to check the blower fan outside.
- Locate the blower and ensure the fan on top is running. If not, you can try to start it by pushing it with a pencil or ruler. Fans sometimes get stuck after long periods of no use. Do not use your fingers!
- You can also check the condenser coil, located on the sides of the blower housing. If they appear dirty, turn the whole system off and then clean the coils by spraying with a garden hose. Do not use a pressure washer as it may cause damage to the system. Light pressure is sufficient.
If the air conditioner is not running at all:
- Ensure the system is turned on. There is an ON/OFF switch that may be accidentally moved to the OFF position. You may even try turning it OFF and then back to ON.
- Check your circuit breakers. They sometimes trip during hot weather or if a circuit overloads.
- Check the on/off switch on the blower.
NOTE: If a repairman is scheduled to service the unit, please turn it off completely. It may need a couple hours to defrost before anyone can work on it. By turning it off you will save the technician a lot of time.
Loss of Electricity in Part of the House
- Look for a GFI plug, which is typically in locations near water like the kitchen, bathroom, or garage. The GFI is designed to “trip” or cut electrical power in case of a short, like when you drop a curling iron in the bathtub. You can reset the GFI by pressing the “RESET” button in the middle. You may have to push the “TEST” button and then the “RESET” before it will turn back on.
- There may be more than one GFI. Sometimes the GFI is actually on the circuit breaker, so be sure to check the panel for problems, as well.
- There may not be any GFI plugs in homes built before 1970.
If the Circuit Breakers Continually Go Off
Check to see if too many appliances are running. Common culprits include high-energy devices such as microwaves, refrigerators, clothes dryers, toasters, curling irons, blow dryers, computers, printers, or space heaters.
If Smoke Detectors Do Not Work or Chirps
- Normally the smoke alarm will emit a beeping sound when the batteries are not working or losing their charge.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every thirty days.
- If a unit fails a test, change the batteries.
- If a new battery does not work, submit a work order.
- Do not disconnect, remove, or otherwise disable a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
If the Shower/Tub Drain is Clogged
How to Reset a Garage Door Remote Control
Refrigerator
Watch the video below for the most common problems and some suggested solutions. If you can’t find and fix the problem on your own, submit a maintenance request. Be sure to include the make and model number. You can typically find this information on a white label just inside the fridge door
