1. Program Offices
  2. Public And Indian Housing
  3. PIH
  4. Public Housing
  5. Public Housing Environmental And Conservation Clearinghouse Redirect
  6. PHECC: Operations & Maintenance: Miscellaneous
Operations & Maintenance: Miscellaneous
  • Calibrate checkmeters. Checkmeters should be reviewed every few years to ensure accuracy. The accuracy can be checked by comparing the consumption from the master meter with the consumption from all of the checkmeters. If they are not the same, then the checkmeters should be re-calibrated (adjusted for accuracy).
     
  • Check for and repair water leaks. Staff should check the distribution lines on the street and the service lines on the property. The valve between the distribution line and the sewer line should also be checked. Residents should be encouraged to report water leaks on faucets, showers, tubs, toilets, or garden hoses. Any water leaks inside or outside the buildings should repaired immediately.
    Photo: Reducing ventilation rates can save energy and money.
  • Reduce ventilation rates. Outside air used for ventilation must be heated in the winter, and, in buildings with air conditioning, cooled in the summer. When the amount of outside air taken into a building exceeds the amount required by code, ventilation rates can be reduced to save energy.
     
  • Reduce the amount of exhausted air. In buildings with an air exhaust system, air that is exhausted must be replaced by the air intake system or by air infiltrating into the building. Incoming air must be heated in the winter, and, in buildings with air conditioning, cooled in the summer. Reducing the amount of exhausted air can save energy by reducing the need to heat or cool this air. The exhaust system should be operated only for short periods at a time, when exhaust needs are greatest (for example, when most residents are cooking). Check local codes for minimum exhaust air requirements. Exhaust air volume should be slightly lower than the amount of air being supplied to the building through mechanical ventilation and natural infiltration.
    Photo: Make sure refrigerator doors close properly to reduce energy waste.
  • Check refrigerators for proper door closure. Refrigerators that do not properly close waste electricity and should be repaired. If repair is not possible, the refrigerator should be replaced.

For more ways to reduce energy costs, see PHECC's Energy Conservation Measures.

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CAUTION STATEMENT

TURN OFF UTILITIES: Turn off electricity, gas, propane, and other utilities before starting repairs, cleaning, or installations to avoid accident or injury.

BE AWARE OF LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS: Many residences built before 1978 have paint that contains lead, which can pose a serious health hazard if paint, chips, and dust are not handled properly. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead brief before disturbing painted surfaces in homes of this vintage. Follow the HUD "Lead-Safe Housing Rule" for requirements for notification, evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards.

BE AWARE OF ASBESTOS HAZARDS: Homes older than 1977 may have building products that contain asbestos such as insulation, high-temperature gaskets, roofing and siding shingles, and vinyl sheet flooring. See the EPA asbestos brief before disturbing such materials.

BE AWARE OF MOLD AND MOISTURE HAZARDS: Molds can gradually destroy materials they grow on; can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people; can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold; and can cause other serious health problems. To learn more about preventing and cleaning up mold in homes, see these mold guides and the EPA brief on What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas.