HVAC –  Summer and Winter Balancing

The dampers are marked in the mechanical room.  The dampers should be set to summer mode upon the need for air conditioning.  Also, set to winter mode when heating is required.

Valley HVAC provides this service of damper balancing in their yearly, optional service contract.  The service contract includes two visits (one at the start of the heating season and one at the start of the cooling season).  The service contract is STRONGLY encouraged after the original warranty period has expired.

Also, please note once your warranty has expired, Valley HVAC will not respond to a service call during  a busy time ( heat wave or period of extended cold) if  you do not have the service agreement.

In the event of a service call by any of the contractors, after the warranty has expired, the home owner will be charged an additional fee for a service call for nights and weekends.  Therefore, if a service call can be performed during business hours of Monday – Friday; it will be much more economical.

Water Hoses

Disconnect all hoses once temperatures begin to drop near freezing.  Although non- freeze hose bibs are installed, if the hose is left connected, the water cannot drain. It will freeze and cause major damage.

Heating and Air Conditioning Filters

Filter should be changed monthly.  The size of the filter is 16” X 25”.  The fiberglass filters (cheapest) work best.  They are very economical and help extend equipment life in addition to indoor air quality.

Hot Water Heaters

Many units have the conventional hot water tank type heaters.  These heaters have a 5-year warranty and expansion tanks only one year.  The average life span of a hot water heater is 7 years.  It is STRONGLY recommended that the hot water heater, the expansion tank, (which is located above the hot water heater) and associated piping, be inspected at least monthly. Monitor for minor drips and/or excessive corrosion.

Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

All smoke alarms are electrically powered with a 9V battery back-up.  This back-up provides smoke detection even in the event of a power outage.  These 9V batteries must be changed as recommended by the manufacturer.  In the event that one battery fails, it is STRONGLY advised that all batteries be changed at that time.  Please make sure you check your home for all alarms since there are many alarms installed within the home.

Storm Doors

During April through October, it is recommended that the glass portion of the storm door be replaced with a screen.  The full glass in the storm door magnifies the sun rays, and coupled with the seal of the door, traps the heat between the storm door and the exterior door.  Temperatures of the front exterior door in the afternoon sun light with full glass in place has exceeded 200 degrees.  Front exterior doors have sustained damage due to  excessive heat buildup to include paint blistering on the door.  Door knobs become exceedingly hot and can burn when touched.

All residents should either have the glass removed and the screen installed, or those with the screens within the door should allow the half screen for proper ventilation to reduce the effects of solar gain and heat buildup.  It should also be noted, when removing the full glass panel on the storm door do not store the glass panel against the siding even for a short time since the glass will magnify the sun rays and cause damage to the siding or surround surfaces.

Please note, all screen doors were installed by the homeowners or a subcontractor chosen by the homeowner and not the developer.  Therefore, any damages sustained by these doors which were installed outside of the contract between the homeowner and the developer shall not be the responsibility of the developer or the Property Owners Association.  Also, we must remember that any repair to a storm door is the homeowner’s responsibility and not that of the Property Owners Association.