The post How to Maintain the Drains in Your Apartment appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
Do you hate the smell that your kitchen sink disposal has? Are you finding water sitting in your bathroom sink? Are you standing in a puddle in your bathtub? If the answer is yes to any of these, keep reading to fix it! If a drain gives off an unwanted odor, you may want to consider cleaning it and checking for clogs.
WHAT CAN'T BE PUT DOWN DRAINS?
BATHROOM: Hair, hygiene products, cotton swabs, floss, nail clippings, flushable wipes, kitty litter
KITCHEN/DISPOSAL: Grease, oil, butter, fat, pasta, stringy vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO CLEAR MY DRAIN BEFORE CONTACTING MAINTENANCE?
Yes! There are several homemade drain cleaners you can use to try and clear the blockage. Please only use the following cleaners. Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes and cause immense damage to our plumbing systems.
BATHROOM: Vinegar
KITCHEN/DISPOSAL: Baking soda & vinegar, hot running water & Grease Lightning Dish Liquid, and vinegar & water ice cubes to grind in the disposal
DO NOT USE CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANERS. If the technician has to use a drain snake or remove a section of pipe to clear the clog, they are at risk of getting a chemical burn from these cleaners. Some cleaners can react with aluminum and give off an unhealthy gas, others can solidify inside the pipes and cannot be removed. If mixed with other household cleaners, the combined liquid can burst the drain and damage your pipes.
HOW DO I PREVENT FUTURE DRAIN CLOGS?
1. NEVER pour grease down your drain.
Grease is the number one cause of clogged drains. Even when the grease is in liquid form, it will eventually harden over time and will clog your drain and can cause sewer clogs too. Be sure to wipe down the greasy dishes with a paper towel before rinsing them with hot soapy water.
2. Use drain screens
These allow water to pass but blocks out hair, food, and other larger particles. These are ideal for kitchen sinks and bathtubs.
3. Run a handful of baking soda and hot water through your drains
This helps the oils in food keep running down the drain rather than building up. This mixture also prevents odors from developing.
4. Only two things should go town the toilet
Human waste and toilet paper.
5. Perform regular maintenance on drains and stoppers
Pouring a few pots of boiling water down your sink once a week and cleaning your stoppers can help maintain the flow of your drains.
WHAT DOES THE DRAIN CLEANING PROCESS LOOK LIKE FOR A MAINTENANCE TECH?
When drains are clogged, Maintenance Techs take out the pipes or send a "drain snake" down to clear the blockage. It can take multiple attempts to clean whatever is creating a clog.
Drain cleanings are done by our Maintenance Team. If water starts draining slowly, let us know. Do not wait until water is overflowing to request maintenance. Overflowing water can lead to mold, damage, and flooding.
The post How to Maintain the Drains in Your Apartment appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post Simple Tips to Accomplish your Spring Clean appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
When the days becoming brighter and new flowers bloom, that’s when you know spring is here! Spring is the perfect time to refresh your space through a spring clean. Spring cleaning allows us to get a head start on the often-hectic seasons of spring and summer and brings new life to home stuck in the winter blues. A deep clean can sometimes feel like an intimidating task but getting started will be a breeze by following these tips.
COME UP WITH A GAME PLAN.
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, come up with a game plan to keep the task feeling manageable. Often times, a checklist is the best way to list out your cleaning plan, and it feel so good to cross tasks off the list!
1. Pick a room to start.
Start by deciding which room to tackle first. Usually, it’s best to choose the room that you feel will be the most difficult or cause you the most frustration. For most people, this room is the bathroom because it is time and labor intensive. From the tub and shower to the toilet and sink, there are many fixtures that have a large surface area that need to be scrubbed and disinfected. Once the bathroom is finished, all the other rooms will feel easier and you won’t be tempted to abandon the bathroom at the end.
2. Schedule a time to start and don’t procrastinate. Don't forget to add in breaks!
Schedule a time to start cleaning and stick to it. It may be best to start on a Friday or Saturday and clean throughout the whole weekend. Adding breaks into your cleaning schedule can prevent yourself from burning out, or becoming discouraged and overwhelmed.
3. Create a fun music playlist.
Prior to the start of cleaning, create a fun music playlist with your favorite songs so you can enjoy your time spent working. If you don't have the time to curate your own playlist, music streaming services often have pre-made cleaning playlists full of great songs to keep you motivated.
STOCK UP ON THE PRODUCTS YOU NEED.
There's nothing worse than getting the motivation to clean and then realizing you don't have the proper products to get the job done. Make sure to have all your cleaning supplies before you start so you don't get derailed and lose momentum halfway through. Here's a list of items you'll want to make sure you have before getting started:
- Vacuum with multiple attachments to get the hard to reach places (corners, near trim, stairs, etc.)
- Disinfectant wipes/all-purpose cleaner
- Window cleaner
- Rags, sponges, microfiber cloths
- Bathroom cleaning products (toilet, shower, sink, etc.)
- Floor cleaner and a mop
DECLUTTER.
Donating things you don't use and disposing of expired or worn items is a great way to make your space feel larger and more organized. Decluttering also creates more value for the items you do decide to keep because they serve a larger purpose.
START WITH DUSTING AND WIPING OFF COUNTERS AND SURFACES.
To avoid having to clean your floors twice, make sure to start your cleaning by wiping off the counters in your kitchen/bathroom, pieces of furniture, and any other surfaces that could push dust, dirt, or crumbs onto the floor. This will save you time and effort.
CONTINUE ON WITH DEEP CLEANING!
Way to go, you did it! Relax and enjoy your freshly cleaned space. Admire your "new" apartment and maybe even add a new decoration or house plant to invigorate your home.
Are you looking for an apartment to call your own? Check out our available apartments today!
The post Simple Tips to Accomplish your Spring Clean appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post How to Keep Your Apartment Warm and Costs Low During the Winter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
It’s no secret that our Midwest winters can get brutally cold. With that comes a decrease in your apartment’s room temperature and an increase in your utility bill. We’ve put together a few steps you could take to keep your home feeling warm and cozy this season.
- Let the sunshine in
Although the sun may seem like it’s not doing much when the temperature falls below zero, it can actually help heat your space. Let natural light come into your home through the windows during the day and then pull down the shades at night to preserve the warmth.
- Cover your air conditioning unit
Wall mounted air conditioning units can sometimes let out your heat. The easiest way to keep your unit from doing this is to place the air conditioning cover on it inside your apartment during the colder months.
- Increase the humidity
Humidity can make your apartment feel warmer and can keep the air from becoming too dry. You can increase your space’s humidity by purchasing a humidifier, leaving the bathroom door open while you shower, or placing containers of water on elevated surfaces.
- Bundle up
One of the simplest ways to stay warm during the winter is to throw on your warmest sweater, some fuzzy socks, and cuddle up with your favorite blanket. Dressing warm is obvious when leaving your house, but why not give it a try indoors.
- Keep furniture 6 inches away from heaters
Make sure all furniture is at least 6 inches away from heaters to allow the heat to properly fill your rooms. Furniture can often block the heat from travelling away from heaters and prevent them from thoroughly heating. If your heater is not working at all or unable to maintain temperatures near 70 degrees, call your office to request maintenance.
Do you have any tips on keeping your apartment warm during the winter? Share them with us by tagging @GoldmarkPropertyManagement on Facebook!
The post How to Keep Your Apartment Warm and Costs Low During the Winter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post How to Clean Your A/C Filter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
It’s finally summertime, and that means warmer weather! There’s not much that can ruin a beautiful summer day when you get to spend time outside, go to the pool, or enjoy barbecues, except walking into your apartment to find your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly. When you can’t cool off, it can ruin even the best of days.
There might be an easy fix when your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be cooling your apartment. One of the first troubleshooting steps is to make sure the A/C filter is clean. If the filter has become clogged with dust, it does not allow sufficient air flow through your machine.
Most air conditioners have a removable filter with a screen similar to a dryer vent. (If you have a foam filter which is clogged, you may need to call your office for a replacement filter.)
Follow these quick and easy steps to get your air conditioner running efficiently and properly:
1. Turn off your ac unit, and remove the filter.
2. Rinse with water. You can use a sponge or a toothbrush to gently clean the dust and dirt buildup.
3. Let filter air dry. Don’t use your air conditioner while the filter is out or when it is wet.
4. Insert filter, and turn on!
It’s that easy!
There are a few other things you should know to maximize the use of your air conditioner. For more information and helpful tips, read “7 Easy Tips to Maximize Your AC This Summer”.
If this initial troubleshooting step does not resolve your issue, contact your community office to request maintenance service.
The post How to Clean Your A/C Filter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post How to open your Garage during a power outage appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
Have you ever come home or tried to leave when the power is out and you can't open your garage door? Power outages happen. Unfortunately, you may need to get your car into or out of your garage when there is an outage. But how do you get in if you have an electric garage door opener? Don't get frustrated. You can follow these simple steps to use the emergency garage door release and gain entry into your garage, even if there is no electrical power.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO USE THE QUICK RELEASE OPTION ON YOUR GARAGE:
- Insert your garage key into the quick release lock, usually located in the top panel of your garage door.
- Turn the key and pull the lock out. Give a quick, downward tug to disengage the door from the chain located inside your garage.
- Slowly push and lift up on the door to open your garage.
- Do what you need to do in your garage.
- Reengage the garage door.
- There are two common types of garage systems. One has a red cord hanging from the garage mechanics, and the other does not. Identify which type you have, and continue to the next steps to reengage your garage door with the system.
- Garage Type A – with a red cord
Pull the red cord to reconnect the door with the chain. You'll hear the latch connect when it has been reengaged. - Garage Type B – no red cord
Once power is restored, you'll have to reset the chain to the door. To do so, press your garage door button once. As it runs, it will reconnect the door with the chain.
- Now, you can close your garage door.
- Reinsert the quick release mechanism back into the garage door. Turn the key to lock the quick release system.
Here is a quick video tutorial about the emergency release process. If you have any questions, or need help, reach out to your apartment office.
The post How to open your Garage during a power outage appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post How to Prepare your Apartment for Winter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
Whether you like it or not, winter is coming. Instead of curling into a ball under the blankets, start preparing now to help save money on your heat bill, and help keep your apartment free from disasters! No one wants to deal with frozen pipes that inevitably burst overnight or on the weekend.
Here is a short list of things to keep in mind as the cold approaches. Your wallet and apartment office will thank you!
1. SET CEILING FANS TO CIRCULATE CLOCKWISE.
Your ceiling fan can help save your money on your heat bill. By changing it to circulate clockwise, you push the warmer air around the room which makes you feel warmer without cranking the heat up. Read more about maximizing your ceiling fan.
2. COVER YOUR AIR CONDITIONER WITH AN INSULATED COVER.
Your apartment should have an indoor cover for your wall air conditioner unit. Put the cover on the AC as soon as it starts to get chilly out to avoid the cool air from sneaking in. Talk to your apartment office if you do not have a cover.
3. MOVE FURNITURE AND OTHER PERSONAL BELONGINGS AWAY FROM BASEBOARD HEATERS.
By keeping your furniture and other stuff away from the baseboard heaters, you allow the heat to circulate the room more efficiently. When the heat can be pushed around the room instead of absorbed into your couch, the room will warm up faster and stay warm longer without having to max out your heater. If your heaters seem to be too hot even on a low setting, make sure to call your apartment office for maintenance.
4. KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED AND LOCKED AT ALL TIMES.
Keep your windows closed at all times to keep the warm in and the cold out. Locking the windows will create a tight seal ensuring no cool air can seep in. Opening your windows in the winter can cause the temperature to drop so significantly the water pipes in your apartment can freeze, expand and burst, creating a water disaster and causing damage in your apartment and the apartments below.
5. KEEP SNOW IN FRONT OF YOUR GARAGE SHOVELED.
You should keep 3 feet in front of your garage snow free. The snow plow cannot remove the snow immediately in front of your garage. By pushing the snow further into the parking lot, you're ensuring there won't be a huge snow pile keeping you from getting in or out of your garage.
6. DO NOT TURN YOUR HEAT OFF WHEN LEAVING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.
Are you leaving your apartment for an extended period of time? Whether you are gone for a weekend getaway, or going on a 7 day vacation, make sure your heat stays on. If your apartment gets too cold, your water pipes can freeze, expand, and burst causing a water disaster.
7. AVOID USING YOUR OVEN TO HEAT YOUR HOME.
The heaters in your home should be enough to heat your apartment. Avoid using the oven as a heater. It is extremely dangerous and inefficient as an oven is made strictly for cooking food. If the heat doesn't seem to be working properly, contact maintenance or your apartment office.
OTHER REMINDERS
- Call your apartment community office with any snow or ice concerns.
- When your heat is on, and it feels too hot or too cold, please call your apartment office or maintenance.
Follow all of these steps and you'll not only save money on your heat bill, but you'll keep your apartment home safe for you and your neighbors. For additional tips and tricks, check out this article!
The post How to Prepare your Apartment for Winter appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post Which Direction should my ceiling fan turn in the winter? appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
Ceiling fans are a great home appliance for summer, but did you know that they are also handy in the fall and winter?!
Changing the direction of your ceiling fan in the summer and the winter not only makes life more comfortable, but it also allows you to adjust the thermostat and give your AC or heating unit a much needed break. Your wallet will also get some much needed rest.
Here’s everything you need to know about changing your ceiling fan direction and how it can help you save!
WHICH DIRECTION SHOULD IT SPIN?
Most ceiling fans have a “clockwise” setting and a “counterclockwise” setting, each appropriate in a different season.
Ceiling fan blades rotating in a counterclockwise direction create cool downward airflow. This is the optimal direction during summer months when you want to feel cooler.
Fan blades rotating in the clockwise direction move warm air around the room which would normally rise to the ceiling away from people and pets. This movement of warm air will make the room feel warmer and will help make your home more efficient in the cooler months.
SETTING YOUR FAN'S DIRECTION
Stand beneath your fan and turn it on. If you immediately feel a breeze from your fan, then you know it’s on the “summer” setting or the counterclockwise direction.
If you wish to turn your fan on to its “winter” setting, or the clockwise direction, turn the fan off (and wait for it to stop spinning). Climb up near the base of the fan, and look for a little button or switch that sets the fan to run in the opposite direction.
Tip: Use removable tape to label either side of the switch “summer” or “winter” so you don’t have to think about it each season!
If you do not have a switch setting, it is possible you have a pull cord that will change the direction of your ceiling fan.
To recap, your ceiling fan should be spinning in the counterclockwise direction during summer months, and the clockwise direction in the cooler, winter and fall months.
To prepare your home for other seasonal changes, read, "How to Keep Your Apartment Warm and Costs Low During the Winter" and "7 Easy Tips to Maximize Your AC This Summer!".
The post Which Direction should my ceiling fan turn in the winter? appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>The post 7 Easy tips to Maximize your AC this summer appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>
Summer is finally here and we want to help you BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT! Many common cooling issues can be prevented with correct use of your air conditioner. Your air conditioner is most likely in your living room near the patio door or window. It’s important to make sure you take care of your air conditioning unit just like any other appliance in your apartment.
Use the following tips to maximize your air conditioner this summer:
1. START EARLY
The A/C needs to be turned on early in the day before the outside temperature begins to rise and the apartment begins to heat up. If you choose to wait to turn your A/C on upon returning home and your apartment is already hot, it can take several hours to cool it back down to a comfortable level.
2. CHECK THE FILTER
Check to make sure the A/C filter is clean. Some newer A/C’s have a removable filter with a screen similar to a dryer vent. These can be cleaned with warm soapy water. Other A/C’s have replaceable foam filters. Contact our office if your foam filter appears in need of replacement. Follow our step by step guide on how to clean your A/C filter.
3. CLOSE BLINDS
Close all blinds during the day – especially on windows that face south and west. This greatly reduces extra heat caused from the sun through the glass.
4. CHECK THE VENT SETTING
If your A/C has an open/closed vent setting, make sure it is in the closed position. A closed position cools air from inside the apartment. An open position draws in hot outside air and tries to cool, which will not be helpful if it is warmer outside than inside.
5. USE MEDIUM-HIGH SETTING
The A/C temperature setting should be on a medium high setting. (On a 1-10 dial setting, the ideal setting is 7). If the setting is set too high (10), it is more likely to freeze up and quit running.
6. SUPPLEMENT WITH A FAN
A box or oscillating fan will help circulate the cool air throughout your apartment.
7. CLOSE DOORS
Close the door to any rooms you don’t need to cool (closet, storage, bathroom, etc.). The smaller the space, the quicker and easier it will be to cool.
The wall mounted air conditioning unit is only designed to cool the air 15-20 degrees from the outside temperature. So if it is 90 degrees outside, your air conditioner is working correctly if your apartment is 70-75 degrees. It won’t turn your apartment into an icebox!
If ran and maintained properly, the A/C in your apartment will keep all of your apartment comfortable in warm temperatures. If there is cold air blowing out of the vents into the apartment, your air conditioner is most likely working properly.
Following these tips will help keep you cool this summer while also caring for your air conditioner.
The post 7 Easy tips to Maximize your AC this summer appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.
]]>