Chugach Electric and Anchorage Municipal Light and Power.

Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility (AWWU)

ACS, GCI, and AT&T Alascom.

McDonald Waste Industries LLC and Alaska Waste

These are settling cracks. This is a normal result of the house settling or the wood used to build the house shrinking. These cause drywall cracks. It is a good idea to wait until after the first heating season to make all repairs at one time. Purchase a drywall spackling compound at the hardware store and fill in the cracks. If texture is needed, use a can of texture, wait until dry and paint over the area.

Sealing the grout helps prevent staining - however once it has been sealed, ongoing maintenance is necessary.

This is caused by normal shrinkage of the caulk. The best remedy is to purchase tub caulk and follow the directions on the container. This maintenance is important to protect the underlying surface from water damage.

Nothing stronger than a mild well-diluted liquid detergent should be used to clean your plumbing fixtures. Use a soft sponge, then dry with a soft cloth or towel to prevent water spots. DO NOT use soft scrubbing or abrasive cleansers, glass cleaners or metal polishes.

The bathroom power outlets are GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) receptacles, as required by building code for your safety. Each GFI receptacle has a test and reset button. Press the reset button and see if power is restored. If not, the master reset is usually located in your garage. We recommend you test all your GFI outlets once a month by pressing the test button. This will trip the circuit. To restore service, press the reset button. If a GFI breaker trips during normal use, it may be an indication of a faulty appliance and investigation is in order. One GFI breaker may control up to three or four outlets. GFI receptacles are also found in the kitchen, garage and outdoor areas where you can come into contact with water while holding an electrical appliance or tool. Never plug a refrigerator or freezer into a GFI controlled outlet.

During the heating season, filters should be changed once a month.

Your smoke/carbon monoxide detector is telling you it's time to change the battery. Be sure to change them once a year while doing Spring or Fall home maintenance.

Your pilot light may be out. First check the pilot light according to the manufacturer's instructions found in the manual located in your Harding Homes Homeowners Manual. If this is not the problem, call a professional. Do not tamper with a gas fireplace if you are uncertain regarding its operation. In addition, we strongly recommend you have your gas fireplace checked once a year by a certified fireplace technician.

Condensation on the interior surface is not a fault of the windows. It is caused by the humidity in the home and the difference in temperature between the inside and outside. Keeping blinds raised just an inch from the window sill will allow heat to circulate under the blind and prevent moisture on the window. A little fog on your windows now and then shouldn't' worry you. Excessive condensation however, may be a symptom of a larger problem. Try some of the following remedies: Shut off any humidifying devices. Run kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans longer and more often. Air out house a few minutes every day.

Review and follow the manufacturer's timetable and instructions for draining several gallons of water from the bottom of the water heater. This helps prevent buildup of chemical deposits from the water and prolongs the life of the tank, as well as saving energy dollars.

The most common cause of a door sticking is the normal expansion of wood due to changes in humidity. Try applying a paste wax, a light coat of paraffin or candle wax to the sticking surface or tighten the hinge screws that hold the door to the frame. If sticking occurs in damp weather and the door continues to stick after drier conditions return, try sanding or planing to reduce door size. If your plane or sand, be sure to reseal the area.

Separation of wood trim from the adjoining materials is a normal result of shrinkage and can require caulking and/or touchup paint as a repair. It's a good idea to wait until after the first heating season and make all repairs at one time.

Thresholds on exterior doors will occasionally require adjustment. Use a screwdriver to adjust the threshold until a good fit is achieved without damaging the rubber sweep on the bottom of the door. If a price of paper fits between the threshold and the sweep, the adjustment is adequate.

Gutters should be checked periodically and cleared of leaves or other wind deposited debris. Excess snow should be cleared away from downspouts to allow gutters to drain and to prevent damage. Use care if you lean a ladder against a gutter.

If you repaint before there is chipping or weathering of the original surface, you will save on the cost of expensive surface preparation. Repainting is recommended every three years.

No. Use sand or a mixture of sand on walkways, driveways or patios. These materials provide traction and won't damage your concrete walkways (if applicable), grass or landscaping.

A stable asphalt surface that was properly installed needs only occasional sealing. New driveways won't need it for at least a year. Sealing will make grayish asphalt look better and keep out water that causes erosion and cracking. To determine whether a blacktop need resurfacing, pour a bucket of water on it on a hot day while the sun is out. If the surface water evaporates but leaves a dark circle on the blacktop that takes much longer to dry, it means that water has soaked in a resurfacing is needed.