Care For Your New Home

Your new Suarez home is ready for your family and you're probably ready for it!

Air Conditioning/Heating Systems

Replace your filter regularly.

The instruction manual for your heating/air conditioning system will instruct you on what types of filters to use, how to replace them, and how often they should be replaced. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully, as failure to regularly replace your filter can result in costly damage to your system.

To Reduce Cooling Costs:

There are a number of steps that you can take to increase the energy efficiency of your home and to reduce the amount of money you spend on cooling the house each month.

  • Be sure that the registers are always closed in rooms that you do not regularly use.
  • Keep all outer doors and windows closed to prevent cool air from escaping.
  • Keep drapes and blinds closed during the day, as this will prevent sunlight from heating your home through the glass.
  • Be sure to run heat-generating appliances, like dishwashers, later in the evening.

Bathtubs, Sinks and Countertops

To prolong the life and appearance of your new bathtubs and sinks, follow these pointers:

  • Do not allow food waste to sit in your kitchen sink.
  • Do not use bathtubs or sinks to hold paint cans, trash, or tools.
  • Do not use any type of photographic or developing solutions in your sinks or bathtubs.
  • Be sure to clean your bathtubs and sinks regularly. When you clean, be sure to use a nonabrasive cleaner.
Faucets
  • Clean your aerators every three to four months. Aerators are most common on kitchen and bathroom sinks. They add air to the water that comes out of your faucet, thus helping to prevent splashes (and wasted water.) To clean an aerator, unscrew it from the end of the faucet. Remove any deposits, and remove and rinse the washers and screens. Replace all of the components in their original order, and put the aerator back on the faucet.
  • If you have a leaky faucet, you most likely need to replace the washers (in the case of faucets with single controls for hot and cold, you'll need to replace the cartridge.) Before you attempt to repair your faucet, be sure to shut the water off at the nearest intake valve. Washers and cartridges are available at most home improvement stores.
Countertops
  • Do not place hot pots or pans directly on your countertops.
  • Do not cut food directly on your countertops.
  • Clean your countertops regularly.

Garage/Driveway

Garage Doors
  • Grease the moving parts of your garage door every 3 months to ensure continuous smooth operation. Only use a lubricant that is specially designed for garage doors.
  • Tighten the screws that fasten the hardware on your garage door every 12 months.
Keep the proper tools around the house.

You will need a basic tool kit to ensure that you are prepared to deal with minor repairs if and when they arise. It's a good idea to keep the following tools in your home:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Standard pliers
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Wire cutter
  • Small, medium and large screwdrivers with both standard and Phillips heads
  • Claw hammer
  • Rubber mallet
  • Assorted nails, screws, nuts, bolts and washers
  • Level
  • Small electric drill with bits and screwdriver attachments
  • Caulking gun
  • Tape measure