Balcony etiquette

Here are a few steps to ensure your air-conditioner is working flawlessly all year round.

• Ensure that you service your air-conditioning unit at least once a year.
• Enlist only qualified air-conditioning service personnel.
• Ensure that clogged/dirty filters are routinely cleaned or replaced.
• Clean and flush the unit’s drain line regularly to prevent excess moisture.
• Keep external doors and windows closed.
• Keep windows, which are exposed to the sun, shaded by using internal blinds or curtains.
• Refer to the energy-saving factsheet for more information.

It’s crucial that you take precautions to ensure your home is always protected against fire hazards

• Conduct regular maintenance of the smoke/heat detectors within your villa.
• Refrain from smoking in non-designated areas.
• Refrain from storing flammable liquids/materials in your garage or balconies.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits with too many high voltage appliances, such as televisions and computers.
• Don’t throw cigarette butts – lit or otherwise – from your property.
• Refer to the fire safety fact sheet and a quick guide during an emergency for more information.

Here are a few things you can do to secure your home before leaving for vacation

• Turn off your water supply till you are back. This will prevent any leaks that could damage your property.
• Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
• Secure your home effectively; close and lock all windows and doors.
• Discontinue newspaper subscriptions and deliveries to your home.
• Give a key to a trusted friend or neighbour so they can check your villa periodically.
• Do not leave unsecured items on your balcony/terrace that can be easily removed.
• If you have a burglar or intrusion alarm, activate it.
• Lock all valuables and cash in an approved and securely fastened safe.
• Unplug all unnecessary appliances such as televisions, stereos and personal computers (take care not to turn off the power to any alarm systems).
• Unplug or turn off the ringer on all telephones and answering machines.
• Refer to the home safety tips fact sheet for more information.

If you run into plumbing or electrical hitches in and around your home, here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Turn off the water to a faulty fixture by using the shutoff valves located under or behind the unit.
• If you notice a leak in the bath or shower, turn off the water at the fixture and arrange for a repair service. Do not use the shower or bath until it has been fixed.
• If there is a leak in the water heater, use the shutoff valve on top of the heater to turn off the water and arrange to drain the water heater.
• If you notice water spots on your walls or ceilings, try to trace the leaks to one location (toilet, sink or tub) and turn off the water to that fixture. Arrange for service through a third party provider.
• If a power outage occurs, inspect circuit breakers, including the main breaker. If a breaker appears damaged, arrange for service. If the breakers are not damaged, turn them all off and back on again, one at a time.
• If there is no power to an electrical outlet, check if it is connected to a wall switch that may have not been turned on before you inspect the circuit breakers. Reset any that may have turned off.
• If a hanging light fixture does not work, you probably have a broken connection along a circuit. Check to see if wall switches, circuit breakers and the bulb has been installed properly.
• If you have a stuck window, use a putty or plastic knife to gently score the edges and prise the window open. Once open, apply a thin layer of paraffin wax around the edges.
• If you’re getting an odour around your home after a long break, the drain pipes may have dried up. Try pouring water down the drains.
• Indoor plants may release an odour if left unattended for long periods. Inspect your plants and prune any rotting parts if necessary.
• To fix a dripping tap, simply unscrew the bolt beneath the handle and replace the worn washer with a new one before screwing the bolt back on. Remember to turn off the main valve first.
• Exhaust fans that spin too slowly are likely to be caused by a buildup of dust and moisture. Clean the fans periodically to ensure optimal performance.
• Clean the railings of any sliding doors occasionally with a toothbrush and then vacuum to remove accumulated grime.
• Clean mildew spots with a three percent solution of hydrogen peroxide for a quick fix.
• If you need to increase the flow pressure of your taps, fit them with aerators – they save water too. Simply unscrew the spout, and screw the aerator onto the tap.

Keep your home pest-free by following a few simple steps

• Carry out pest control treatment periodically within your home.
• Do not leave food crumbs and unsealed edible items around your home.
• Do not leave empty cardboard boxes under beds or around your home.
• Enlist only Dubai Municipality approved service providers to carry out pest control.