Taking care of your Tempo Home.
Caring for your home can feel like a lot of work. But when you live in a Clayton Tempo Home, all the care and maintenance tips you need are always easy to find. Plus, regular cleaning and maintenance help your home last longer and need fewer repairs, replacements or upgrades through the years, potentially saving you money.
We can’t do the work for you, but we can help you understand the important priorities, starting with a few tips, how-to’s and fire-safety related do’s and don’ts for new homeowners.
Transitioning from renting to home ownership means learning a few new routines. Even existing homeowners need a few reminders every now and then. Here are three quick tips to help you get into the good habits of homeownership.
1. Change your air filter
Your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system works hard. Regular maintenance will help keep it running smoothly and help it last longer.
First, check your owner’s manual (or the side of your existing filter) to identify the right number and size filter, and, to learn how often to change your specific filter.
Keep in mind that the less transparent a filter is, the more pollutants and debris it will capture. If you have pets, look for a filter specifically made to collect pet dander and hair.
Even when you know how often to change your filter, make it a regular habit to check it in between, just to be sure it’s not overly coated. Anytime your filter is well-coated with dust particles (think: the original filter fibers are barely visible) it’s time to replace it. For more detailed replacement steps check out Clayton’s full guide to air filter maintenance.
2. Check your smoke detector
Safety first is a rule that never goes out of style. A properly installed and tested smoke detector is a simple, effective way to keep your home and everyone in it safe.
Change the batteries once every year. Daylight savings time is a great annual reminder. Check your manufacturer’s instructions for how to change the batteries in your specific model.
For a step-by-step guide to replacing your batteries and testing your smoke detector, check out our Clayton’s smoke detector tips guide. Bottom line: Change your batteries annually, test your alarm occasionally, and keep it on at all times.
2. Maintain your Electrical, Plumbing, and Appliances
Yes, professional electricians and plumbers exist for a reason. But you can also get to know your plumbing and electrical systems, and do simple inspections yourself on a regular basis to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Appliances will differ and vary per home. You will receive an owner’s manual for every appliance in your home, and while that should be your go-to for all things related to that specific machine, there are some general appliance maintenance tips to be aware of too.
For more detailed information on the systems and appliances in your Tempo Home, spend a few minutes with the pages below. You’ll feel like a pro homeowner in no time flat.
Learn more about your Plumbing, Electrical, and Appliances
How to care for countertops
Different countertop surfaces require different care. When you purchase your Clayton Tempo Home you will receive an owner’s manual for your specific countertops. Meanwhile, here are some general tips for taking good care of all countertops—no matter what yours are made of.
- Use coasters under drinks
- Use hotpads under hot pots and pans
- Clean all liquid spills immediately
- Use a cutting board for food preparation (never the countertop itself)
How to care for windows and doors
Windows and doors are hardly on anyone’s list. But both need a little love and care to continue functioning properly. Your owner’s manuals will guide you on exactly how to care for yours, but here are a few things to keep in mind for all windows and doors.
- Cleaning and lubricating window tracks can keep windows moving smoothly
- Replacing weather stripping on doors and windows can help keep drafts out
- Replacing or tightening door strike plates can keep them closing and opening correctly
How to care for cabinets
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets get used a ton. Also in close range of water, the risk of damage is high, on top of normal wear and tear. A few simple actions will help the cabinets inside your Tempo Home last for years to come.
- Keep cabinet surfaces clean and dry at all times
- Always use non-abrasive cloths and cleaners to wipe your cabinets
- Use only mild detergent to clean if-needed, avoiding bleach and ammonia
Fire safety do’s and don’ts
Fire safety is an important aspect of homeownership. To make sure you’re prepared, and that you’re doing everything possible to prevent a fire in the first place, here are a few fire safety Do’s and Don’ts.
Do
- Have multiple smoke detectors installed throughout your home and test them monthly. At least twice a year, check the batteries and replace as needed. It’s also a good idea to have smoke-alarm activated night lights throughout your home.
- Have fire extinguishers easily accessible in your home. Good places include in your kitchen, near fireplaces, and near a grill on your porch or deck. Inspect extinguishers often and have them serviced and refilled when needed. Check with your local fire department—they might provide fire extinguisher refill services.
- Have a fire escape plan. Prepare a plan to help any children, elderly family members or family members with mobility limitations out of your home. Include your pets in the plan too! Practice your fire escape plan routinely so that your family is aware of what to do. Also find two ways out of each room in the event the primary exit is blocked by fire or smoke.
Don't
- Don’t leave your stove and oven unattended. Always check to make sure they’re off before leaving the kitchen.
- Don’t allow grease and oil to build up on your stove or in your oven. Do clean both regularly to prevent a grease fire.
- Don’t leave candles burning before going to sleep or when you’re leaving your home. Do opt for flameless LED candles as a great alternative.
- Don’t leave the house with heaters on. Do unplug them before you go to bed.
- Don’t run the washer or dryer while you’re not home. Do clean your dryer’s lint filter after every load and check your vent monthly for excess lint.