The key to preventing a mechanical emergency is regular maintenance and care of all your home comfort systems.

In the spring/summer: Approach your outdoor unit so that grass clippings and other yard debris are directed away from it, leaving it unclogged and running at peak efficiency Bear in mind similar cautions when utilizing a weed-whacker near the vulnerable parts of your heating and air conditioning system. Change your disposable filter and/or restock your supply if you're running low.

In the fall/winter:

• Remember to disconnect any hoses you have on outside faucets in order to prevent freeze damage.

• Keep your outdoor unit and drain pan clear of debris and you will help your heating and air conditioning system maintain optimal efficiency.

• Leave faucets dripping when freezing temperatures are forecast overnight.

• Don’t turn the heat off when you leave your home unoccupied for a few days.  You can certainly turn the heat down, even to 50 F in most cases, to save electricity if you’ll be gone for a few days, but don’t turn it off.   Not only will it be a lot more comfortable for you when you do get home, and heat your home up quicker, but it will also protect your piping from freezing.

• Change your disposable filter and restock your supply if you're running low.  

If you have a second home here at the beach:

• Call your plumber early if you plan on winterizing your home so that you can get on their schedule before the first freeze.

• Close your crawl space vents to protect the piping under your home during the winter months.

• Consider having an emergency cut-off float switch installed on your secondary drain pan for your air conditioning system. The cut-off shuts down your air conditioner should your secondary condensate drain pan become clogged or begin to overflow. By shutting down the air conditioning and thus, stopping additional condensation, this safety mechanism prevents the large amounts of water damage that can occur when a system continues to run with a condensate leak or clog - a problem many owners have due to renter inattention.

All the time:

• Check/Change your disposable filter at least twice a year.  Keep that same routine for your washable ones.

• Prevent drainage problems by pouring a pot of boiling water down all your drains at least once a month.  If you have a garbage disposal, add half a cup of baking soda to the boiling water before pouring it down the disposal.

• Periodically grind ice in your disposal – the scouring action caused by the ice chips will help clean your disposal of food remnants.

• Have your septic tank pumped every 2 to 5 years.

• Take care in what you put down your drains, sinks and toilets.  A short list of “DO NOT DISPOSE” substances for your sinks, drains and toilets include solvents, chemicals, oils, grease, coffee grounds and popcorn.  In addition, use bleach and other harsh cleaners sparingly and flush only paper designed for the toilet, not other paper or plastic products no matter their size or composition.

• Don’t overwork your garbage disposal.  Use plenty of water when grinding food remnants and don’t throw any of the following into the disposal: corn husks, grease, bones, potato skins, egg shells, lettuce or metal of any kind. 

The key to being able to react in a mechanical emergency is preparation ...

 

	Make sure everyone in your home knows the location of main and secondary water shut-off valves.
	Keep fuses clearly labeled.
	Maintain safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher (even a plunger) and keep it in an accessible location.
	Don't block returns or stack boxes next to piping and ductwork.
	Keep access to your attic and crawl space clear.