Got Lint?

When is the last time you cleaned the lint from the vent pipe that exhausts your clothes dryer to the outside of your condo?

It's not enough just to regularly clean the lint trap on your clothes dryer. A clean dryer vent can lower energy bills and also reduce the risk of fires.

Here are ten signs that your dryer's vent pipe is overdue for a cleaning.

Condensation on the inside of your windows?

Are you experiencing a lot of water condensation and ice on the inside of your windows?  If so, this is not the result of a problem with your windows, it's simply an indication that the humidity level inside your home is too high and that you need to take some corrective actions.

Tilt feature on your double-hung windows

Did you know that you can clean both sides of the glass on the lower sash of your double-hung windows without having to remove the screen and going outdoors?

Simply raise the lower sash and use your window's tilt feature to clean the outside glass surface from inside your house.

Click here for photos and instructions on how to properly use the tilt latches and security locks on your double-hung windows.

Gas Fireplace Maintenance

Superior Model DR-500CMN

[Please note that co-owners are responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the gas fireplace that was supplied with their unit.  The following information is provided as a courtesy to the co-owners of the Manors at Central Park Condominium Association.]

Most of the units here in the Manors have a Model DR-500CMN direct-vented gas fireplace that was manufactured by the Superior Fireplace Company.  This model has been discontinued and Superior is now a unit of Lennox Hearth Products.  The DR-500CMN Homeowner's Care and Operation Manual is still available here for viewing and download.

Some of the newer Manors units have a Model VCD36RN direct-vented gas fireplace that was manufactured by Desa Heating LLC.  Desa filed for bankruptcy in December of 2008 and is no longer in business.  However the VCD36RN Owner's Operation and Installation Manual is still available here for viewing and download.

Both of these models are similar in design and operation.  The Superior fireplace is rated at 23,000 BTUs per hour input while the Desa has an input rating of 21,000 BTUs per hour (as a reference, the input ratings for the forced air gas furnaces here in the Manors are 75,000 BTUs per hour and up).  Even though your fireplace is probably operated using a conventional 110 volt wall switch, both fireplace models use millivolt gas controls, meaning that if the pilot flame is burning, the fireplace burner can be turned on and off even during a power failure (however the optional blower will not be functional).   During an extended cold-weather power failure, your gas fireplace should be able to provide enough heat to keep your plumbing from freezing, even without the warm air circulation normally provided by the blower.

Here's some advice on how to keep your gas fireplace working and looking good:

Smoke Alarm Maintenance

Are your smoke alarms "chirping"?  If so, they are trying to tell you that their back-up battery needs to be replaced!

Slide open the Battery Door to remove and replace the 9 volt battery (the thin plastic was removed at initial installation)

[Please note that co-owners are responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the smoke alarms that were supplied with their unit.  The following information is provided as a courtesy to the co-owners of the Manors at Central Park Condominium Association.]

Most of the units at the Manors came equipped with FIREX Model FADC smoke alarms.  They run on 110 volt alternating current (house current) and and use a 9 volt "transistor" battery for back-up in case there is a power failure.

The FIREX Model FADC features two Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that shine through a single clear light guide that is located next to the test button in the center of the device. The green and red LEDs provide the important following information about the status of your smoke alarms and any actions you must take to stay protected: