Bluffs News

10-25-2011

Suggested Winterization Procedures

1. Plug in heat wire for condensate line from heating unit

2. Drain hot water heater

• shut off electrical power supply
• shut off water supply valve. Open hot waterhandles on faucets (helps to drain H20 faster)
• attach hose to bottom drain valve, run hose to lowest drain, ex. shower/tub
• open valve and lift open thermal relief valve ( on top or side of water heater) for faster drainage
• when empty, close drain and thermal relief valves, remove hose and drain hose
• close hot water faucet handles
• when refilling, crack open water feed valve, open hot water faucets, wait until water comes out of faucets before turning back on electric power supply

3. Close all water supply valves under sinks

4. Shut toilet water supply valve, flush toilet. Just enough water will remain in bottom of tank to keep flapper and seal from drying out. Add a little antifreeze to tank and bowl.

5. Close main water valve at the end of above procedures

6. Leave thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees (House Rules)

7. Change batteries in thermostat

8. Change air filter in heating unit

9. Make sure management office has copy of front door key (House Rules)

If any questions please contact management office

12-20-2009

Do Detectors Get Old?

Everyone knows you should replace your smoke detector battery every year. But it will probably come as a surprise to learn that you should replace the entire smoke detector every 8 to 10 years. This applies, by the way, to both battery operated and hard-wired models.

To understand why this is necessary, consider that a smoke detector monitors the air constantly 24 hours a day. that means after 10 years a detector has been through, according to some estimates, three to four million duty cycles. So it\'s no surprise that components can wear out. In addition, detectors can become clogged by dust and other contaminants in the air.

If you\'re not sure how old your detector is, look on the label (located on the back) for a manufacturing date. To make replacement easy, write the replacement date on that detector or on the new one you install. Then you\'ll be reminded of its age every year when you change the battery.

Workbench June 2008