Each home is equipped with the following heating and air conditioning components: THERMOSTAT, COMPRESSOR, FURNACE, DUCTWORK

For your system to operate properly, each of these components must be functional.

Thermostat
The thermostat is positioned in your home in a location intended to provide the average current temperature in the home. Other locations in the home may vary somewhat in temperature. This may be corrected either by adjusting the thermostat to account for this difference or by adjusting the air flow (see ductwork). Make sure that you do not install any furniture or wall coverings that would restrict the air flow around the thermostat thus creating a false reading. Be sure that the thermostat is properly set/programmed to the desired temperature (see manufacturer’s instructions) and that the thermostat is set to the appropriate cycle (heating or cooling). Homes equipped with an electronic thermostat have a five minute delayed start to the compressor when responding to a change in the demand for cool air.

Compressor
The compressor is located on the outside of the house to facilitate the release of the heat during the compression cycle. You should not place anything around or near the compressor which would restrict the air flow, as this could cause premature failure. Care should be taken during normal yard maintenance to ensure that the compressor is not damaged. If you notice any visible or suspected damage, you should have it inspected immediately by a qualified technician. A power switch may be located on the wall adjacent to the compressor to facilitate service of the unit. If the compressor fails to operate, you should check this switch to ensure that it is in the “on” position.

Furnace
The gas furnace will be located in the attic area. You should not inspect the furnace area with any open flame device or conduct any electrical work where there is a chance of sparking. If you suspect any failure or malfunction of the furnace unit, you should immediately shut off the gas supply to the gas furnace by using the gas shutoff valve located adjacent to the furnace.
Condensation that collects in the A/C unit during the cooling cycle is removed by use of a drain pan under the coils. You should inspect periodically to ensure there is no restriction in this primary drain pan or in the auxiliary drain pan.

110 volt electrical power is provided to the fan in the furnace. This power is controlled by a wall type switch located in the furnace area. If the fan fails to operate under normal conditions, you should check this switch to ensure it is in the “on” position.

Ductwork
Air flow may be adjusted by adjusting the operable fins on the register. The return air in the home is centrally located to create efficient air flow in the home. We recommend you inspect the air conditioning filter monthly and change it as needed. This is particularly important during the first few months of occupancy as the combination of your recent move-in and the newness of the home will generate a higher than normal level of dust in the air.

Service
It is strongly recommended that you have semi-annual service checks of the heating and air conditioning system; one in the spring to check the air conditioning components and one in the fall to check the heating components.

Prior to placing a request for service, within your two-year warranty period and thereafter, we recommend that you first conduct the following checks:

1. Check to ensure that all circuit breakers are on.
2. Check to ensure the disconnect switch at the compressor is on.
3. Check to see if the power to the furnace blower is on.
4. Check to ensure that the thermostat is set and in the proper heating or cooling cycles.
5. Check to ensure that the air filter is clean and unobstructed.

If one of the above items is found to be the cause of the problem, any costs incurred are the homeowner’s responsibility.

Plumbing Fixtures
Your home is equipped with high-quality, name brand plumbing fixtures. Those fixtures are equipped with an aerator (kitchen, lavatory, shower head and tub) and may occasionally become partially restricted because of or due to the accumulation of debris on the aerator. This can be corrected by simply unscrewing the aerator, removing the debris and reinstalling it. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners on bathroom fixtures. Frequently wiping with a damp sponge or cloth will remove soap and mineral deposits.

Kitchen Sinks

Stainless Steel Sink
The stainless steel sink is made from a nickel-chrome stainless steel alloy. To clean on a daily basis, wash with a wet dish-cloth and dish detergent. Occasional scouring will remove stubborn stains. Small scratches and wear marks from everyday use are normal.

Porcelain Sink
The porcelain sink is made from porcelain over cast iron or steel. To clean on a daily basis, wash with a wet dishcloth and dish detergent. Do not use abrasives on a daily basis. On stubborn stains use abrasives sparingly. Use a soft nylon brush, but avoid using steel wool scouring pads, wire brushes, metal scrapers or any other abrasive sponge pads.

Whirlpool or Garden Tub
If you have a whirlpool tub in your home, it is designed for service as a regular bathtub or a whirlpool spa. Water must be at normal operating level prior to activation of the whirlpool mechanism. Failure to do so will result in severe damage to the motor. The tubs are made of acrylic with protective resin coating. Therefore, do not clean the whirlpool or garden tub with abrasives or harsh cleansers. A diluted solution of detergent or household cleaner, followed by a rinse of clear water will remove soap scum and mineral deposits.

Water Heater
Each home has one or two gas water heaters installed (certain communities may have electric water heaters). It is recommended that semiannually the water heater be drained to assist in removing mineral deposits that accumulate.

Sewer Cleanout
An exterior sewer cleanout has been provided on your home. The location of this cleanout will be pointed out to you at the time of the New Home Demonstration by a member of the Professional Construction Staff. The sewer cleanout should be kept exposed and readily available in the event of a sewer stoppage. In that event, the sewer cleanout should be opened to allow excess sewage overflow thus eliminating backup into the living space of the home.

Cold Weather Operation
Prior to an anticipated “hard” freeze, it is recommended that you take steps to drain the water system in the home. This can be accomplished by the following steps:

1. Shut off the water service to the interior of the home. The location of the shut off was pointed out to you during the homeowner’s inspection.
2. Open all the fixtures in the home and allow water pressure to drain.

Note: The water pressure will decrease before the hot water is drained to a level that would damage the hot water heater. Therefore, it is not necessary to extinguish the hot water heater pilot unless the water will be shut off for an extended period of time. Ensure that all exterior hose bibs are opened and drained.

For proper operation of the electrical appliances, refer to the respective appliance instructions.

Disposal
The disposal is designed to grind up soft food. Avoid using it to grind difficult to shred products such as wood, metals, sand and egg shells as these products will quickly deteriorate the disposal. If the disposal becomes “jammed” or stops operation, take the following steps:

1. Check and reset the disposal using the button located on the bottom of the device.
2. If the disposal fails to operate, ensure that the countertop switch is in the full “off” position and shut off the circuit breaker. Disposals come with a wrench that may be used at the base of the disposal to rotate the blades. This information was reviewed during your New Home Demonstration.
3. Turn on the circuit breaker and run clear water through the disposal while operating.

To remove the stale food smell, pour a glass of salt water through the disposal system once a week.

Dishwasher
If the dishwasher fails to operate, check the circuit breaker to ensure that it is on. If no water is getting to the dishwasher, ensure that the water valve servicing the dishwasher under the sink is in the “open” position and that the electrical switch is “on” at the kitchen countertop.

Microwave Oven
If the microwave oven fails to operate, check the circuit breaker to ensure that it is in the “on” position. Keep the microwave oven service areas clean.

For security purposes, deadbolt locks have been installed on the perimeter doors of your home. All of the deadbolts and key locks are designed to operate with the same key.

Most homes are equipped with high-quality brass hardware with a satin nickel or oil rubbed bronze finish. Although the hardware we install is a quality product, eventually any brass hardware, regardless of quality or price, will tarnish. Tarnish is not considered a product defect. The buyer may extend the life of the protective lacquer coating on the hardware by following the list of procedures below:

1. Each week wipe down hardware with a soft cloth. Apply a good nonabrasive wax (such as an automotive or floor wax with a protectant) at least once a month.
2. Never use any chemicals or cleaning agents.
3. Do not apply abrasives, metal polishes or other caustic chemicals to the hardware.
4. Do not apply paint or lacquer removers to the hardware.
5. Areas in which the hardware is likely to get wet should be wiped dry as often as possible.

Eventually, when the hardware does tarnish, the homeowner may choose one of the following options:

1. Allow the hardware to continue to tarnish. This will develop into a deep consistent antique look.
2. Replace the hardware.

Carpet
The product installed in your home is quality carpeting. Do not become alarmed if the first several times you vacuum, significant amounts of carpet nap (fuzz) are shed. This is quite normal and is not an indication of any defect in your carpet. If this continues for an extended period of time or areas of the carpet appear to be thinning significantly, contact your Professional Construction Staff in accordance with the warranty procedures outlined in this manual.

To extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking as fresh as possible, we recommend the following procedures:

1. Frequent vacuuming is the best protection for your carpet as it removes the dirt before it becomes embedded in the fibers. 
2. Remove spills and food products as quickly as possible with water or carpet cleaning products available at most grocery stores. (If you selected one of the upgrade carpet products available, you may have received some supplemental information concerning stain removal. We strongly recommend you keep this readily available and refer to it whenever you have a spill or stain).
3. If you feel the need to have your carpet cleaned, we strongly recommend that you have a reputable commercial contractor accomplish this task. Most of these contractors will warrant their work and have a great deal of experience in removing different stain types without damaging the carpet.

Note: Most commercial cleaning applications will remove all or part of the stain resistant treatment during the cleaning process. We recommend that you have the cleaning contractor reapply this product immediately after cleaning.

Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile flooring may be cleaned using mild household detergent diluted in water, rinsed with clear water, and buffed with a soft cloth to restore the shine. You may use cleaners specifically designed for ceramic tile (refer to manufacturer’s instructions).

Note: Care should be taken during cleaning to avoid getting the adjacent carpeted areas wet. Persistent wetting of the carpet areas will cause discoloration and/or deterioration of the carpet.

Marble/Granite
Marble and granite flooring and fireplace surrounds may be cleaned using clear water, followed by buffing with a towel or soft cloth. Do not allow excessive water to sit on the marble or granite for any length of time. For stains or damage to the marble or granite surface, you should contact a tile supplier concerning specific products to handle these issues. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure these products are being used cautiously and effectively. Care should be taken during cleaning to avoid getting the adjacent carpeted areas wet. Persistent wetting of the carpet areas will cause discoloration and/or deterioration of the carpet.

Note: Marble and granite are natural substances. Our suppliers are unable to guarantee consistency or uniformity, which means that the marble or granite tile installed in your home may vary significantly in color and pattern from others in the same installation.

Wood Flooring
The wood floor in your home has a no-wax finish. (If your wood floor is job-built, then you will have a polyurethane finish). You may remove liquid spills with a soft, dry cloth or vacuum dry the spill. Sweep or vacuum floor regularly. Never damp mop or let sand or grit build up. Avoid high heels, especially without caps, as they can damage the surface. You should also use proper protection under the feet of furniture. The use of wax, oil soaps or other household cleaners is not recommended. The manufacturer has products available to clean and re-shine the wood.

Interior Paint - Walls
The interior walls of your home were painted with a quality interior flat latex paint. The removal of small amounts of dirt can be accomplished by dry brushing with a soft bristle brush. Do not scrub with any abrasive detergent or cleaner, as this will damage the paint surface and possibly the sheetrock texture. If you choose to wash these areas, wait at least 30 days before you attempt to clean your painted wall surfaces. This will ensure that the coating is fully cured. Clean walls with a damp sponge and a mild non-abrasive detergent. Use light circular motions.

Note: Always try any cleaning detergent in an inconspicuous area first.

For more heavily soiled or damaged areas, it may be necessary to repaint. Depending on the age of the painted area, the paint may have faded or slightly changed in color. Once paint selections have been made and tested, then apply small amounts to the intended area and brush lightly, spreading the paint as far as possible. A heavy build-up of paint, even if the color is the same, will show a slightly different color due to the thickness of the dried coat. In areas where the paint is not an exact match, we suggest that you paint the entire wall to a transition point (wall corner or ceiling line).

Woodwork
The painted woodwork in your home has been finished with a latex enamel paint. Latex enamel paint is more durable than your flat wall paint and may be washed repeatedly with a mild solution of soap (dishwashing liquid) and water, followed by a rinse of clear water. Do not use cleaning solutions containing ammonia as it may cause the enamel to yellow.

Stain-grade cabinets are finished with a lacquer top coat. Removal of soils and grease can be accomplished by using a diluted solution of common household cleaner and water, applied with a soft rag or sponge, and rinsed with clear water. Do not apply any type of furniture polish or cleaner to your cabinets.

Walls
Minor cracking in the sheetrock and in the woodwork is normal and can be expected in any home. This condition can be corrected periodically with minimal effort on the part of the homeowner. In the case of sheetrock cracks, apply a small amount of good quality spackling paste to the area to fill the cracks and allow it to dry. Touch up the caulked area with latex paint using the same procedure outlined above. For minor cracks in enameled woodwork: first spackle the crack with a good interior spackle and allow it to dry; then take a small piece of fine grade sandpaper and sand lightly around the spackled area. Wipe the area clean of any grit. Then, using a small brush, apply the enamel paint, spreading or “feathering” it out as far as possible.

Ceramic Tile

The shower stall and secondary bathtub surrounds are constructed of ceramic tile. Only those products specifically designed for use in cleaning ceramic tile should be used. Minor cracking in the grout joints, particularly at the corners, is normal. However, you should immediately take one of the following steps if further cracking occurs:

1. Remove the cracked grout and re-grout the area.
2. Apply a tile caulking product specifically designed for ceramic tile.

Failure to address minor cracking will only contribute to further cracking and other potentially more serious damage.

Laminate Countertops
Do not clean the plastic laminate with abrasive or caustic cleaners. A diluted solution of household cleaner or detergent, followed by a rinse of clear water, should be applied to clean stains incurred during normal household operations. Direct cutting, placement of hot objects (heated pans or pots) or striking with objects (pounding) should be avoided as the surface is not designed for these uses.

Acrylic Countertops
For routine care of acrylic countertops, soapy water and a sponge or dish-cloth is all that is necessary. For stains or stubborn dirt, use an abrasive cleanser and a steel wool scouring pad. For objectionable scratches follow the instructions contained in the acrylic product information. To prevent knife cuts or damage from excessive heat, use a cutting board, trivet or pot mat.

Granite Countertops
For routine care of granite countertops, a few drops of a neutral cleaner or stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer), warm water and a sponge or dishcloth is all that is necessary. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids. Do not use scouring pads, powders or creams as they will scratch the surface. Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices as many drinks contain acids that may scratch or dull the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects.

General Countertops
Most vanities in the homes are constructed with cultured marble covered by a clear resin finish. Do not use abrasive or caustic chemicals to clean the surface area. A diluted solution of household detergent and water, followed by a rinse of clear water will remove build-up of soap scum and mineral deposits.

In this section, we discuss common everyday issues that may arise with electric service, appliances, dishwasher/disposal and microwave oven. From guidance to quick fixes, caring for the electrical items and overall service to your home is easy and painless.

To prevent a loss of gas, electric, or water utilities, it is necessary that new homeowners have the utility transferred into their name for billing purposes. This can be set-up with that specific utility provider to be executed the day of closing. This will prevent loss of utilities when Perry Homes closes the account on the home the day after closing.

Electrical Service
The electrical wiring in your home is run to a central service located in either the garage or on the exterior of the home. Located inside the service panel are individual circuit breakers. These breakers should be identified with markings adjacent to the breaker or located on a reference index attached to the service panel. Refer to this index or markings if you need to check breakers.

When checking a circuit breaker to see if it tripped, inspect the breaker to see if it is fully in the “on” position. A tripped breaker will be indicated by being approximately a third to half the way back from the full “on” position. Return the breaker to the full “off” position and then to the full “on” position.

Note: If the breaker immediately retrips, do not attempt to reset the breaker. Call an electrician.

The electrical outlets for the exterior, garage, kitchen and all bathrooms are wired to a ground fault circuit interrupter. This circuit is designed to ensure immediate power interruption in the case of a loss of ground. One of the outlets in the circuit will have a reset and test button located on it. If the power is still not restored, check the appropriate circuit breaker.

Perry Homes conducts multiple inspections throughout the construction process to ensure the safety and health of your home. However, there are natural elements that can wreak havoc for homeowners if regular maintenance and inspection is not conducted.

First, we’d like to share with you ten things the EPA says you should know about mold:

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:

   • Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside

   • Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers

   • Increasing ventilation

   • Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning

6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.