Cooling:

• Your exterior air conditioning unit should never be moved or obstructed in any way (shrubs, trees, leaves, etc.)
• Verify that the exterior condensation line remains open and free from obstruction at all times.
• In multi-floor homes, you may need to fully open upstairs vents while closing some downstairs vents to compensate for the fact that warm air rises.
• Avoid using the dryer, stove or oven during the middle of a hot day.
• Close drapes or curtains on hot days when the sun shines into your home.

Heating:

• During cold weather, keep the heat in your home above 55 degrees. Shutting the heat off could result in frozen or burst pipes.
• If you have a cut-off power switch near the furnace, always keep it in the "on" position.
• In multi-floor homes, you may need to fully open downstairs vents while closing some upstairs vents to compensate for the fact that warm air rises.
• On cold days, open the drapes or curtains to let the sun help heat your home.

Ventilation:

• Use any exhaust fans installed in your bathroom, laundry and kitchen to assist in removing excess humidity levels created by use of these facilities. For example, operating an exhaust fan throughout your bathing process, as well as 20 to 30 minutes after, should fully remove the added moisture.
• Periodically inspect any outside exhaust outlets to ensure that they are not blocked by any obstructions.

Garbage disposals:

• NEVER put hands, bones or metal or plastic objects into the disposal.
• Always run cold water when using a garbage disposal.
• NEVER overload your garbage disposal. Excessive garbage, especially items like vegetable peelings, can clog the system.
• If the disposal is not working, press the reset button (usually on the underside of the disposal). If that fails, unplug the disposal and use the wench or key provided with the disposal to disengage the blades and dislodge blockages.
• Review the manufacturer’s literature or Web site about the need for periodic cleaning or blade sharpening.

Microwaves:

• NEVER turn on a microwave when it is empty nor use any type of metal or foil in it.

Range hoods:

• Range hood filters often need periodic changing or cleaning. Check your system’s operations manual or with your local Centex customer service representative about whether this should be done, how often and how.

Exterior:

• Use floor mats inside and outside of all exterior doors to absorb soil and moisture. Clean mats on a regular basis, especially during inclement weather.
• Do NOT use nails or tape to attach items to the front door. They could harm the finish.
• Exterior doors should be re-painted or re-varnished as needed, depending on weather and sun exposure.
• Thresholds, door sweeps and weather stripping need to be regularly checked to ensure a tight seal exists. A well-sealed door should be somewhat hard to open and close. A slight, visible air crack around the door, however, is normal.
• If you install a storm door, during periods of warm weather replace the glass pane with a screen. This limits heat build up that can distort or warp an entry door.
• Sliding doors may have exterior weep holes at the bottom to allow water to exit the doorframe. These need to remain unobstructed. Periodically inspect and clear the weep holes of debris.
• Periodically vacuum sliding door tracks then use silicone spray on the tracks to aid in the door’s movement.

Interior:

• Periodically inspect all screws to ensure that they are not in need of adjustment for proper operation.
• Avoid using oil-based cleaners. These products may leave a film that may react with the oil on your skin and prematurely wear the finish.

Garage doors:

• Garage doors are usually not weatherproof. Expect some air, dust, rain, snow and light to seep in. Sweep out any water or snow in the winter to keep the door from freezing shut.
• Every few months, visually inspect all the garage door’s moving parts, cables, door panels, tracks and the threshold. Address any issues immediately; continued operation could make a problem worse.
• Lubricate all moving parts on garage door every three months.
• Tighten bolts on garage door tracks annually.
• Expect the paint near the garage opening trim to chip or peel. This is normal as the two are in contact in order to have a tight fit when the door is closed.
• NEVER attempt to adjust the garage door spring in any way.
• If the opener does not work, check the sensors near the bottom of the door track. Make sure they are clean and lined up. Nothing should block the sensors.

Power failure: In case of complete power failure, first determine if your neighbors have power. If so, notify your electric company. If the power failure has occurred only in your home, check the master circuit breaker. If one breaker trips continuously, you may be overloading that circuit. When a circuit breaker trips, unplug all appliances on the same circuit prior to re-setting the breaker. Too many appliances or a faulty appliance within that circuit can cause the breaker to trip.

• Higher amperage appliances, such as hair dryers, irons and power tools, may cause lights within the same circuit to dim slightly. This is normal.
• In cold weather, you may feel a slight draft from outlets and light switches on exterior walls. These “convective currents” occur as cooler air inside the exterior wall falls to the lower elevation electrical boxes. Do not place insulation inside the electrical box as this could cause a fire hazard.
• Limit the amount of plugs put in one outlet or power strip. Overloading your power outlets will cause your breaker switch to trip or, under continued abuse, may result in damage.
• Do not allow water or liquids to penetrate your plugs or switches.
• When young children are around, use childproof outlet plates or plug covers to prevent items from being inserted into power outlets.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Replace batteries as needed.
• Your home may have an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. These breakers cut the power when an appliance cord is underneath furniture or pinched. If this breaker trips, inspect all appliances in the affected area. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters require regular testing to ensure proper operation.

Ceiling fans:

• Before replacing an overhead fixture with a ceiling fan, consult with your local Centex service representative or a qualified electrical contractor about whether your overhead electrical boxes support a fan. Not all ceiling electrical boxes can hold the added weight of a fan.

Non-working outlets:

• Your home is equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, referred to as GFCI or GFI outlets. Typically, they have colored “test” and “reset” buttons on their face plate. These outlets are required in certain areas of your home by code. Moisture, such as steam, causes these circuits to trip. Check to see if your outlet has GFI breaker and, if so, try resetting it before calling for service on your home. NOTE: Sometimes one GFI outlet may control several nearby outlets in your home.
• Some outlets may be connected to a light switch in order for a lamp or other appliances to be operated by that switch. Please test all light switches in a room prior to calling for service.
• WARNING! Do not use a GFI outlet for an appliance that requires a continuous flow of electricity, such as a refrigerator or freezer. (NOTE: Garage circuits are typically GFI circuits. If you want to operate an appliance in the garage, it is recommended that you have a dedicated circuit installed for that appliance).

Gas-burning fireplaces:

• If you ever smell natural gas when the fireplace is not in use, make sure the valve to the fireplace is turned off. If it is off and the smell persists, evacuate your home IMMEDIATELY and call your gas company.
• When you use your gas fireplace for the first time, you’ll probably notice a slight burning smell. This is your fireplace burning away packaging grease in the vent pipes. It will go away after a few uses.

Carpets:

• Vacuuming is essential for good carpet care. Vacuum thoroughly and frequently, particularly in high traffic areas. Cross-pattern vacuuming (side-to-side and then back-and-forth) is necessary for good care. Walking on soiled carpet permits the soil particles to work their way below the surface of the pile where they are far more difficult to remove.
• No carpet is stain-proof. Stain resistant treatments improve your ability to remove - not prevent - stains. After a spill, absorb as much liquid as possible with paper towels, replacing them as they become saturated. Use a blotting action, never a scrubbing motion, to prevent “fuzzing” the carpet surface. Remove as much of the food spills as possible by gently scraping with a spoon or dull knife. Consult the carpet manufacturer’s warranty, care guide or Web site for the recommended method of stain removal.
• Before cleaning heavily soiled carpets or trying to remove stubborn stains, consult the carpet manufacturer’s warranty, care guide or Web site to find the recommended method of doing this.
• Shedding of carpet fibers is common in the first year a new carpet installed. Frequent vacuuming will help reduce shedding. You will also need to replace your vacuum bag more frequently during this time.
• Area rugs and furniture placed over carpets, may over time, cause a color variation on the carpet due to a lack of uniform light exposure.
• Protect your carpet from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with blinds, shades, etc., on your windows.
• If you use area rugs over your carpet, remove and clean them regularly.
• Move heavy furniture occasionally to avoid excessive pile crushing. When moving heavy, wheeled furniture (pianos, buffets, etc.), you should place heavy cardboard or plywood between the wheel and the carpet.
• Do NOT use chairs or appliances with rollers/casters on carpet.

Hardwood:

• Always follow floor manufacturer guidelines for cleaning. It is recommended that you use cleaners designed for and/or by your wood manufacturer. Never clean your hardwood floors with water. Do not use any wax or oil-based cleaner that must be mixed with water as this may result in damage to the finish. Water can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor.
• For everyday cleaning of your wood floor, use a vacuum (without a beater bar) or an untreated dust mop. Sweep or vacuum your floor as often as required to remove loose dirt or grit before it can scratch the surface of the floor.
• Gaps between floorboards will expand and contract depending on temperature and humidity. This is normal.
• To prevent slippage of area rugs, use an approved vinyl rug underlay. Prolonged use of some rubber-backed throw rugs may alter the color tone of the wood and/or damage the wood finish.
• Wipe up spills immediately before they get sticky or dry. Remove dried spills with a dampened cloth.
• Sun exposure may change your wood floors’ appearance over time. Areas with rugs over the wood will change independently from the surrounding areas.
• Use floor protectors on the feet of furniture to avoid scratches. When moving heavy furniture or appliances, try slipping a blanket or scrap of carpet, face down, under each foot and sliding the furniture carefully.
• Certain types of furniture casters may damage hardwood flooring. Barrel-type caster wheels or wide flat glides are best for your hardwood floor. If your furniture does not have the right type of caster, change them.
• Spike or stiletto high heel shoes, especially those in poor repair, may cause denting and related damage to hardwood floors.
• A pet's nails may scratch and damage hardwood floors.

Laminate:

• Laminate floors require specific cleaning procedures. Always defer to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Avoid wet mopping as water can enter the laminate seams and permanently damage the surface.

Vinyl:

• Most flooring manufacturer's make specific cleaning products for their floors. While they are commonly more expensive, they are also more effective and designed for your floor.
• Avoid sliding objects on vinyl flooring as it may permanently damage the surface.
• Avoid placing rubber-backed rugs or rubber-based slip resistant liners on your vinyl floor. The oil-based rubber can chemically discolor your vinyl floor surface.
• Heat can discolor and permanently damage the surface of your vinyl flooring.

Lawn/sod:

• Most new lawns generally require 1 to 3 inches of water per week depending on weather conditions, soil type and type of grasses. Consult a professional lawn service, landscaper or your local garden center for assistance in establishing a new lawn.
• Do not bank soil over the siding of your home. In most areas, maintain a 6-inch separation of the grading and siding.

Trees/shrubs:

• Consult a professional tree service, landscaper or your local garden center for guidance on what trees and shrubs are best for your area of the country, and how you can best fertilize, water and maintain those you already have or add to your yard.
• New trees will generally need deep, thorough watering for at least two growing seasons. Consult a professional tree service, landscaper or your local garden center for guidance.
• Keep the surface of the planted root ball free of weeds, grass or sod by applying three inches of wood chips or ornamental stone around the tree base. Do NOT apply weed or grass killer products, including “weed and feed” lawn fertilizers in this area as they could harm your tree.
• Do not plant flowers immediately around a tree, especially a new planting, as the watering and fertilizing needs for trees and flowers are different.
• Avoid planting larger trees within a few feet of your home. The root system could harm the foundation when the tree grows. Excessive watering could affect your soil and then harm your foundation.

Exterior:

• Inspect painted wood and concrete siding surface every six months; repaint as necessary. Prior to painting, ensure that the surfaces are clean, dry and free from loose layers of old paint.
• Consider hiring a qualified contractor to clean your home’s exterior on an annual or as needed basis.

Interior:

• Interior walls are often painted with latex paint and are not washable. Touch-up paint is required to keep walls looking clean. When touching up your walls with paint, use a blotting action with a brush to re-create a rolled look.
• Interior doors and trim are often painted with an alkyd (oil-based) enamel paint that provides a hard, durable and washable finish. Such paint can be washed with water to remove dirt.
• Some yellowing will occur with all alkyd or oil-based enamels. Re-paint as necessary.

Cold weather precautions:

• Always remove hoses and other attachments from hose bibs during cold weather. Otherwise, water in the hose may come back into the bib, freeze and cause the bib to shatter.
• Open vanity base cabinet doors on exterior walls during extreme cold weather to allow warm air to enter.
• Keep all exterior wall faucets dripping inside the home overnight to keep water lines from freezing. Moving water is less prone to freeze.
• Should a pipe freeze, use a hair dryer or small lamp to thaw the pipe before it bursts. Do NOT attempt to thaw the pipe with a torch or open flame. Always open faucets when thawing pipes. If you must leave your home when a pipe is frozen, turn off the main water valve and open all faucets.

Gas water heaters only:

• If at anytime you should smell natural gas fumes, turn off the gas supply valve on your hot water heater. If it is off and the smell persists, evacuate your home IMMEDIATELY and call your gas company.
• Lighting and turning off the pilot on your hot water heater can be accomplished by explicitly following the manufacturer's directions. These are usually listed on the side of the hot water heater tank.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO BASIC MAINTENANCE OF YOUR NEW HOME:
This checklist covers some basic, necessary maintenance items for most homes. It is by no means all-inclusive. Some items may not be applicable for the type of home and home features you have. Consult all guides, warranties, literature and Web sites provided by your builder and by the manufacturers of your home’s various appliances and components for full details.

MONTHLY:

• Test and clean/dust smoke detectors.
• Test GFCI/GFI receptacle/breaker and outlets.
• Replace/clean HVAC air return filters.
• Check grout/caulking in tile and marble in wet areas (showers, sinks, etc.); repair as needed.
• QUARTERLY
• Check range hood charcoal filter; replace/clean as necessary; repair as needed.
• Check caulk seals between countertops and walls and on any laminated surfaces; repair as needed.
• Check, and adjust as necessary, thresholds, door sweeps and weather stripping on exterior doors to maintain air tightness.
• Oil all moving parts on garage doors and tracks.
• Remove leaves, debris and snow from window wells.

TWICE A YEAR:

• Clean gutters, downspouts and roof eaves to remove leaves and debris (spring/fall).
• Check dryer vent exhaust for lint blockage; clean as needed.
• Check connection between dryer and vent exhaust; repair as needed.
• Check washing machine hoses and connections for cracks and leaks; repair as needed.
• Have an HVAC professional inspect and calibrate your heating and cooling system (start of heating and cooling season).
• Vacuum/clean window and sliding door tracks; lubricate with silicone spray.
• Assess all exterior paint and caulk; repair as needed.
• Check exterior caulk seals around windows, doors, etc.; repair as needed.
• Drain and flush out hot water heater, and verify that pressure relief value is working.
• Inspect and maintain the flow of all swales (land contours), culvert and drainage inlets and outlets.
• Verify that there is no standing water in crawl spaces, all insulation intact and heating/cooling supply lines are secure.

ANNUALLY:

• Power wash exterior vinyl siding.
• Verify main water cut off valve is accessible and functioning properly.
• Have professional chimney sweep inspect and clean fireplace flue/chimney; check caulk sill around fireplace facing and repair as needed.
• Tighten all nuts/bolts in/on garage door and track.
• Apply water-seal treatment to all outdoor exposed wood (spring); power-washing wood first may be necessary.
• Clear/clean weep holes in brick siding.

WINTER MAINTENANCE (where applicable):

• Disconnect exterior hoses and devices from hose bibs; if possible, shut off water to bib and drain.
• Remove ice buildup, snow or any debris from roof when needed to prevent possible home water intrusion.
• Foundation vents should remain open except in event of extreme cold.
• During extreme cold, leave indoor faucets located on exterior walls dripping to prevent pipe freezing.

SUMMER MAINTENANCE (where applicable):

• Verify HVAC condensate drain is flowing freely while air conditioning is running.