FAQ's & Tips

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Air Conditioning

Washer & Dryer

Range - Gas & Electric

Air Conditioning [back to top]
1. What can I do if my air conditioning unit doesn't make the air cold enough?

Keep the area around the exterior condensing unit clear of leaves, bushes and other obstructions to ensure adequate airflow.
Clean or replace air filter
Create shade for the unit
Wrap insulation firmly around suction line and replace any worn-out insulation.
Pipes freezing up? Usually this means a problem with the Freon charge. It may be too full, but more likely it means there is a leak, not enough Freon, and the unit is working overly hard to compensate. Running low on Freon costs you extra energy and can damage the compressor. If pipes freeze, turn the unit off and call a professional.

2. What do I do if water leaks into my walls or ceiling?

Make sure the drain line is not restricted and condensation drains freely.
Make sure the drain pan is clear of debris.

3. My air conditioning unit constantly cycles on and off, can I fix it myself?

Probably not, it's best to call a qualified professional to clean the evaporator unit and fan.

Dishwasher [back to top]
1. Dishwasher problems

Make sure the door is completely closed and latched.
Check your household fuse and make sure it is blown or tripped.
If you have rotary knob timer, turn the knob to the beginning of the preferred cycle.
Is the control lock option selected? Press and hold the control lock button for 5 seconds.
Be sure the “delay start” option is not selected.
Be sure the water valve (typically under sink) is turned in the “on” position.
The selected cycle may not be complete. Press the 'cancel/drain' to try to drain any excess water.
It is normal to have just a little bit of water covering the pump module in the bottom of the dishwasher, remember, just a little.
Brown stains are likely due to high iron content. Add 1-3 tsp of citric acid crystals to the detergent dispenser (without detergent) and re-run the dishwasher may remove stains.
Orange or pink stains cause be caused by washing large amounts of dishes with tomato based soil. Pre-rinsing before putting in the dishwasher, or using “rinse/hold” button may reduce this problem.
Staining is also reduced by using the “no head” or “energy saving” settings.
There are products to clean the interior of the tub available on the market.

2. Dishwasher cycles too long

Certain cycles or options require longer run time. Additional time may beneeded to heat the water.
Water supplied to the dishwasher needs to be hot enough. Is the hot water tank set at the recommended 120 degrees? This will cause a longer cycle time.

Dryer & Washer [back to top]
1. What do I do when my dryer completely stops?

First check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker.
Make sure the dryer is plugged in all the way.

2. Problem: Drum turns, but the clothes remain wet.

Clean the line screen and the exhaust vent
Check the thermostat and replace if necessary.

3. It takes too long to dry a load of clothes, what can I do?
Check to see if there is heat. if so...

Clean the lint screen and exhaust vent.
Make sure the grill is not blocked by small items or dryer sheets
Reduce the load and try again. (Too many clothes will not let air get to any of them.)

If there is no heat...

Make sure controls are not accidentally set in the "no-heat" setting.
Make sure both circuit breakers/fuses (particularly in older screw style fuse boxes) are reset and good.

4. Dryer is noisy

There can be a normal thumping sound during the first few minutes of operation if the dryer hasn't been used for a while.
Check that an object is hitting the drum and that all objects are removed from pockets (noises may be buckles).
If you hear a scraping noise, with dryer OFF, use a flashlight and make sure there is nothing caught in the seam where drum meets rear and front of dryer.
Muffled thumping may be the result of twisted and balled up clothing. Always separate garments before placing them in the dryer.

5. Dryer timer not advancing
Note differences in Automatic versus time dry timer settings

Automatic - Timer advancement is determined by moisture sensors in drum. When load is wet, timer will not advance.
When load is dry, timer will then advance to "cool-down" and "wrinkle
guard." In some wrinkle guard modes, this can last 1-2 hours!
Dry Timer-Amount of minutes selected is how long it will dry. Electronic models sometimes increase read out time based on moisture levels in the drum

6. What do I do when my washer does not operate?

Is it plugged in all the way? Does that outlet work? Try plugging a lamp into that outlet to make sure.
Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breaker.
Open the water shut-off valves behind the washer.
Make sure the timer knob is in the correct position.
Is the lid open? Even if just a little bit, it may stop the washer from working.
Is the washer in a "pause" position? Some washers may pause for 3 minutes or longer in a soak cycle.

7. What do I do when my washer does not fill with water?

Straighten the water supply hoses.
Turn the time slightly or press the buttons firmly.
Make sure the hot and cole inlet valves are completely open.
Check for kinks in the water lines.

8. What if the tub fills with water but the machine doesn't run?

Make sure the lid is closed. If it is, ensure the switch is fully depressed.
Lighten the load and wait 15 minutes for the motor to reset.

9. What if the washer over-suds?
Always measure detergent. Follow manufacturers directions. If you have softer water, you may use less detergent.

Electrical Outlets [back to top]
no faq's/tips for this category

Garbage Disposal [back to top]
1. Problem: Garbage disposal does not operate.

Check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
If the disposal is plugged into a wall outlet, ensure the outlet has power.
On continuous-feed models, check the wall switch. On batch-feed models, check the stopper switch.
If the flywheel is jammed, free it using the supplied tool or a long wooden spoon handle.
Push the rest button.

2. Problem: Motor hums but unit does not grind.

Free the flywheel using the supplied tool or a long wooden spoon handle.
Push the rest button.
Call a qualified professional

3. Problem: The disposal grinds things too slowly.

Run colder water when using the disposal.
Only dispose of materials allowed by the manual

Home Heating System [back to top]
1. What do I do if there is no heat at all?

Is the heat setting turned on and the thermostat set?
Check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker.
Try setting the thermostat in the "fan" position to see if it comes on.
Check to see if the furnace is plugged in. Is there power to the outlet?
Call a qualified professional.

2. What do I do if my rooms aren't warm enough?

Replace the filter in the furnace.
Clean the registers and remove any obstruction blocking the registers.
Seal the leaking heating ducts with duct tape.
Call a qualified professional.

3. Soot is all over the place, what do I do to stop it?

Replace the filter in the furnace.
Call a qualified professional to clean your entire heating system.

4. Furnace not blowing hot air?

Make sure the gas cock on the gas flex leading to the unit is in the on position (parallel to the gas pipe)
Make sure the pilot is lit. Call a professional if not.
Make sure the thermostat is in the heat mode and desired temperature is set above room temperature.
Be sure to check the filter has been changed.

Microwave Oven [back to top]
1. Microwave will not run

The door may not be firmly closed or latched. Close the door and try again.
Some models have a child lock. If the display shows a picture of a lock, turn control panel lock off.
Check to see if you set the kitchen timer rather than the Cook Time
Did you set the time after pressing Cook Time?

Range - Gas & Electric [back to top]
1. One of my burners doesn't light, is there anything I can do?

Be sure the gas shut-off valve is turned to the open position.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for relighting the pilot.

2. I can't turn the knobs to get started?
On many units, you must push the knob in before turning

3. Problem: The range is not working at all.
Check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker. If you don't find a problem, call an electrician.

4. Oven
Not working? Do the elements on top work? Does the light come on inside?
Check to see if only the oven is not working.

5. Oven not accurate?
Did you wait for the preheat time to preheat?
Some ovens have "hidden" calibration methods. Check in the manual you received from the manufacturer. Refer to these manuals if you would like to try to calibrate your oven and see if it is possible.

6. Oven fan runs during and after use

If you have a convection oven, it is normal for the fan to run during use to circulate hot air throughout the oven. It is normal for the fan to turn off when the door is opened.
If you do not have a convection oven, it is normal for a fan to run duringoperation during bake, broil, clean to help cool the electronics.
If the unit is off, it is normal for the fan to run for up to 20 minutes.

7. Oven clock displays PF or flashes
PF is "power failure". Press cancel button. You may have to reset the time on the clock.

Refrigerator [back to top]
1. What can I do when my refrigerator stopped running and the interior light is out?

Check that the electric plug is fully engaged.
Make sure the outlet the refrigerator into works. Try plugging a lamp into it. If there is no power to the outlet, try resetting the breaker.

2. What if it's not running and the interior light is on?

Try pressing (holding) the on/off button
Unplug unit and leave unplugged for 5 minutes, plug back in.
Set refrigerator and freezer settings to the "mid" setting.

If you decide to call a service technician to the home, be sure to leave the unit plugged in the on position.

3. My refrigerator constantly cycles on and off, what can I do?

Clean the coils with a vacuum cleaner only.
Call a qualified professional.

4. I hear an occasional clicking and the refrigerator is not running, what do I do?

Check the fan and replace it if necessary.
Test the thermostat and replace it if necessary.

5. Frost is forming more rapidly than usual, what can I do?

Open the door less often. (Is someone holding it open for long periods of time?)
Make sure the door is closing tightly; if it isn't, adjust the door hinges
Clean or replace the gasket. Leaks in the door seal will make it difficult to maintain desired temperature.

6. My refrigerator is running constantly. Is that a problem?

Is it new? Expect a unit to run for about 24 hours when it first starts in operation (or, for example, if it was stopped during a long power outage).
Is the room temperature extremely warm or is the unit in direct sunlight?
Did you recently add large quantities of food?
Are the doors opened frequently or left open a lot? (Normal kid problems!)

7. My refrigerator is noisy. What does that mean?

Gurgling at the end of a cycle
Popping/cracking sound when the unit enters a defrost cycle
And some ‘sizzling' may also happen if water inside the walls touches the defrost heater.
Icemaker sounds: buzzing, water running, creaking, cracking

Shower Head [back to top]
no faq's/tips for this category

Water Heater [back to top]
1. Problem: There is no hot water.

Gas Water Heater

Check the pilot light and carefully relight if out.
Make sure the gas controls are completely turned on. Then, check and be sure it is firmly connected to the gas control unit and positioned near the pilot flame.

Electric Water Heater

Check the fuse box/circuit breaker. If the heater repeatedly blows fuses, call an electrician.
Push the reset button.
Call a qualified professional

2. Problem: There is not enough hot water.

Turn the thermostat to a higher temperature.
Insulate the hot water pipes
Have a qualified professional install a larger heater

Energy Savings Tips [back to top]
1. Appliances

Did you know that the average home spends about $2,000 on energy bills every year? Changing to appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR, can save $75 a year in energy costs, while saving the environment.
Save Energy, Save Money
When buying an appliance, remember that it has two price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses.
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more efficient ENERGY STAR model.
For top performance, premium features, and energy savings, look for
energy-efficient clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers that have earned the ENERGY STAR. This mark may appear on the appliance, the packaging or the EnergyGuide label.

2. Heat & Cool Efficiently

Change your air filter regularly. Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool - wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system - leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly
tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.
Install a programmable thermostat-
A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.
Seal your heating and cooling ducts-
Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent - and sometimes much more.
Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment. If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, you should have it looked at by a professional HVAC contractor. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by nearly $200. Remember to address any ductwork issues at the same time.
Remember that getting the proper size and a quality installation is
essential to getting the most from your new equipment. When replacing HVAC equipment, bigger doesn't always mean better. If the unit is too large for your home, you will be less comfortable and might actually have higher utility bills. Oversized equipment will operate in short run cycles, not allowing the unit to reach efficient operation and remove humidity from the air - resulting in an uncomfortable home.

Guide for energy efficient heating and cooling
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/heat_cool/GUIDE_2COLOR.pdf