Windows are essential to a comfortable home, but sometimes we only notice them when they are not functioning properly! Your windows need regular maintenance to be kept in good and safe condition, and here are the reasons why:

• Windows are exposed to the rain and sun which can lead to wear and tear
• A worn-out window can fall and cause serious injury to passersby below

Tips for Regular Window Maintenance – The 3 ‘C’s

A little effort can ensure that your windows remain safe. Just remember the 3 ‘C’s – check, clean and change – and window maintenance will be a breeze!

Casement Windows

Sliding Windows

Changing Windows and Window Grilles

Your flat already comes with shiny new windows, but if you ever need to replace them, do ensure that your new windows are of the same size, colour, and type as the existing ones. You also must engage a BCA-approved window contractor listed with HDB to replace or repair your windows.

Window grilles may be necessary for safety and security – especially if you have young children around. You may install or replace any window grilles within your home, as long as they do not extend out of your flat and do not modify the building exterior in any way. Check out this page for more information on window safety!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Creating that perfect home may take years of hard work and investment. But if we’re not vigilant about fire prevention and safety, everything that we’ve painstakingly built can go up in flames (literally) in a matter of seconds.

As such, home fire alarm devices and fire extinguishers are extremely valuable tools for fire prevention.

Did you know? From June 2018, smoke or heat detectors are mandatory in all new HDB flats

As always, fire prevention is the best defence. Read on for a list of common fire hazards at home, and what you can do to prevent them:

Personal Mobility Device (PMD)

Avoid charging the battery of your PMD overnight – better yet, don’t charge it without supervision. Also, avoid placing the charging battery near combustible materials such as paper and fabric (think books and curtains).

Before purchasing a PMD, it’s important to ensure that the device is of an LTA-approved model and must be registered with the LTA. This condition is also applicable to second-hand PMDs. Penalties include a $5,000 fine and/or a jail term of up to three months, and are applicable to owners with PMDs that were LTA-approved but later modified.

Kitchen Stoves

It takes just a few minutes for a pot or pan to overheat and catch fire, so avoid leaving cooking unattended. Remember to keep flammable liquids (such as cooking oil) or combustible materials away from the stove as part of fire prevention.

Power Sockets

When power sockets are overloaded, electrical fires can occur. Use them safely and limit your use to the number of sockets that have been provided. Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances when not in use.

Incense Sticks and Candles

Avoid placing lighted incense sticks and candles near curtains or combustible materials, which may catch fire when they are near the open flame.

Cigarette Butts

When there’s smoke, there’s fire. Refrain from throwing lighted cigarette butts into the rubbish chute or bin.

Rest assured knowing that there are several measures in place to protect your flat, including the unfortunate event of a fire – read our guide to home insurance to find out more!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

With Singapore’s tropical climate, many of us have air-conditioners installed at home. Want to keep your air-conditioner running in top condition and help it last longer? Here are some tips for air conditioning maintenance!

1. Clean the Filters

Your air-conditioner typically has filters located behind its front cover that help prevent dust particles from entering the evaporator coils. These filters tend to accumulate dirt and dust, which may block the airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. As such, it’s important to clean the filters in your air-conditioner at least once a month.

Air conditioning maintenance tip #1: clean the filters thoroughly!

Make sure your air-conditioner is turned off at the mains before removing the filters. Visually inspect the filters to check for signs of wear and tear, and replace them if they are damaged.

If the filters are still in good condition, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any accumulated dirt and grime. Next, wash the filters with warm water and a little detergent. Rinse and wipe the filters dry before replacing them within the air-conditioner.

2. Clean the Coil Fins

The next air conditioning maintenance tip: cleaning the filters! While filters help prevent dust particles from soiling the evaporator coils, some particles may still find their way into the coil fins, which may eventually affect the air-conditioner’s performance.

It’s a good idea to clean the fins at the same time as your filters. Use either the vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any dirt. Since the aluminium fins on the evaporator coils are usually very thin and susceptible to bending, avoid wire brushes or hard-bristle brushes as they may damage the fins.

Alternatively, spray a commercial cleaner on the fins as directed, and allow the cleaner to soak in and loosen the debris. Re-apply the cleaner until the fins are clean.

3. Engage a Professional

In addition to regular air conditioning maintenance, you should also engage a professional to service your air-conditioner regularly. In particular, the condensing system requires servicing on a 6-month or yearly basis, depending on your usage frequency.

The contractor will usually check and clean all the parts of your air-conditioner, including the outdoor condenser, individual indoor fan coils, controls, thermostats, refrigerant system, to keep them in perfect working condition.

You should also ensure that the outdoor condenser’s refrigerant piping is properly insulated, and the condensation water from your air-conditioner is properly discharged into a nearby internal drainage opening. This will prevent leakage of condensation water that could inconvenience your lower floor neighbours or passers-by.

If your outdoor condenser is leaking, you can consider installing HDB’s patented air-conditioner tray. Do note that the service between yourself and the vendor is on a private arrangement basis.

Remember – regular air conditioner maintenance will keep your air-conditioner in good shape, so you save costs in the long run! Check out our guide for more home maintenance tips!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg