Prospective buyers look at more than just another interior and exterior of your home. Your plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems will also be closely scrutinized to assure that they operate efficiently, safely and reliably. You need to keep your home's systems at your service.

Most of us lead busy lives, which can make it easy to put off looking after systems that seem to be working just fine. That's one good reason for making appointments with yourself for tending to the simple chores outlined in this brochure. Our Home Systems Care Chart offers a starting point that you can copy or adopt to suit your needs, Here are some other items that may need attention from time to time.

Thermostats

When a furnace or central air conditioner isn't performing properly, don't be too quick to blame the unit itself. The culprit may be as near as your thermostat. Electrical contacts inside most older thermostats tend to attract dust. To remedy this problem, snap off the cover and clean between the contacts with an index card, dollar bill or even a folded piece of paper. Also blow or brush away dust on other parts.

Switches and Receptacles

Don't put up with a wobbly light switch or a receptacle that doesn't get a good grip on plugs. A defective electrical device is not only annoying, it also could pose a safety hazard or even cause a fire - and you can replace one in minutes with just a screwdriver. First shut off power to the circuit. Remove the faceplate, pull out the old device and loosen screws holding the wires. The package explains how to install a new device.

Water heaters

Today's new water heaters generally provide years of trouble-free service, with or without maintenance. But just a little effort on your part can extend your heater's life and cut down on its energy consumption.

Some manufacturers recommend that new gas or electric units be drained every two months for the first year they're in operation, then every six months after that. Doing this rids them of sediment, which builds up over time, impeding efficiency and providing you with less hot water at any given time.

To drain a water heater, first shut off the water supply by turning the shut-off valve at the top of the meter or at the meter. Next, place a bucket under the tank's drain valve, or fasten a garden hose to the valve and let off water until it runs clear; then close the drain valve and open the supply valve.

Periodically check the eater's pressure-relief valve- also located at the top of the tank-to be sure it's capable of letting off steam if pressure builds up in the tank. just lift this valve's handle; if it's working properly, hot water will be released through the overflow.

Lighting pilots

Most of us are called upon to light a pilot at some time or other - and the exercise can be frustrating if you don't follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter.

Range pilots rarely pose a problem: you simply touch a match to them. But other appliances, such as ovens, furnaces and water heaters, require a slightly more complicated procedure, usually spelled out on a plate affixed to the unit.

Sump pumps

If your home has a sump pump, periodically remove the grille covering the sump pump and check for debris inside. If a pump malfunctions, you can get by temporarily with an emergency unit powered by an electric drill.

Warranty protection for your home's systems

Since most prospective buyers are concerned about the costs they could incur with unexpected bills for system repairs, you can increase the attractiveness of your home by purchasing an American Home Shields Warranty.

Offered by Dan O'Brien and Berkshire Network/GMAC Real Estate, this plan provides comprehensive coverage on the major built-in systems and appliances in your home during the listing period and for 12 months after closing. IN most cases, you pay the coverage only when closing takes place.

You'll enjoy an extra marketing advantage with a American Home Shields Warranty - a national home warranty program that benefits both buyers and sellers.

When you purchase an American Home Shields Warranty, you'll receive signage that lets potential buyers know immediately that your home is protected by the plan - helping to eliminate any concerns that major systems or appliances might need to be replaced soon.

Contact Dan O'Brien to receive a copy of this brochure which also outlines a simple plan for maintaining your home's vital systems.

For a copy of this brochure, please e-mail Dan O'Brien and request the "Fresh Ideas for your kitchen" brochure.

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