FALL 2026
Fall Resident Guide
Helping you prepare for a safe, comfortable, and cozy home this season.
- Understanding Your Home
Normal seasonal changes in heat, humidity, windows, and plumbing — and when to call. - Caring for Your Home
Simple habits to keep your home comfortable, efficient, and safe. - Self-Help Guide
Quick checks to try before you submit a maintenance request. - Protecting Your Home This Fall
Seasonal safety: heaters, electrical, candles, cooking, and clear exits. - Partnering to Care for Your Home
How Quarterly Home Care Visits work and how we partner with you.
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Chapter 01
Understanding Your Home
As temperatures begin to cool, your home begins transitioning into heating season. You may notice your heating system running more often, your home’s humidity changing, or even a few new sounds and smells. Most of these are completely normal.
Why Does My Heater Smell Funny?
One of the most common questions residents have each fall is why their heater produces a burning smell the first
time it’s turned on.
In most cases, this is completely normal. During the warmer months, a light layer of household dust naturally
settles on the heating components inside your HVAC system. When the heat is turned on for the first time, that
dust burns away, creating a temporary odor.
The smell should disappear within a short period of time as the system continues to operate.
Contact maintenance if you notice:
- A burning smell that continues after several hours of operation
- Smoke that does not quickly clear
- A strong electrical or melting plastic odor
- Your smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector activates
Why Does My Heat Run Longer on Cold Mornings?
Unlike your air conditioner, your heating system often has to work harder after your home has cooled overnight. Not only does it warm the air, but it also warms your floors, walls, furniture, and other surfaces that have become cooler while you were sleeping. Because of this, it’s completely normal for your heating system to run longer during the first heating cycle of the morning or on especially cold days. The first significant cold weather of the season is also when heating systems are used continuously for the first time in several months. While our team performs routine preventative maintenance throughout the year, some issues may not become apparent until your system begins operating under colder conditions. If your home is not staying warm, please submit a maintenance request so we can inspect your system.
Remember, setting your thermostat significantly higher will not heat your home faster. Your heating system warms your home at the same rate regardless of the temperature selected.
Understanding Your Thermostat
Your thermostat controls when your heating system turns on and off to maintain your desired indoor
temperature.
For the best comfort and energy efficiency:
- Choose a comfortable temperature and leave it there.
- Avoid making frequent adjustments throughout the day.
- Allow your system time to reach the desired temperature before changing it again.
- If your thermostat has programmable features, consider setting a consistent daily schedule.
Small, consistent adjustments are much more effective than frequently raising and lowering the temperature.
Why Are My Windows Fogging Up?
As outdoor temperatures drop, it is common to notice moisture forming on the inside of your windows. This is called condensation and is usually a normal part of cooler weather.
Condensation occurs when warm, humid indoor air comes into contact with the cooler surface of the window
glass.
You may notice more condensation after:
- Cooking
- Taking hot showers
- Doing laundry
- Hosting guests
Using bathroom exhaust fans, running your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking, and maintaining a healthy indoor humidity level can help reduce condensation. While some indoor humidity is normal and helps keep your home comfortable during the heating season, excess moisture can lead to excessive window condensation and, over time, may contribute to organic growth.
If you notice moisture between the panes of glass or persistent water damage around your windows, please submit a maintenance request.
Why Am I Seeing Water Around My Sink or Water Heater?
As temperatures begin to cool, you may occasionally notice water around a sink, water heater, or other plumbing fixture that wasn’t there before. Changes in temperature cause plumbing pipes, fittings, and seals to naturally expand and contract. In some cases, this movement can reveal a loose connection or worn seal that was not noticeable during warmer weather.
You may notice:
- Water under sinks
- Dripping supply lines or shut-off valves
- Moisture around your water heater
- Damp cabinets or flooring
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
If you notice any signs of a leak, please submit a maintenance request as soon as possible. Even a small drip can become a larger repair if left unaddressed.
Prompt reporting helps protect your home, reduces the risk of water damage, and allows our maintenance team to correct the issue before it worsens.
Why Does My Home Feel Drier?
Cooler outdoor temperatures naturally contain less moisture than warm summer air. As your heating system warms that air inside your home, you may notice the air feels drier.
It’s common to experience:
- Dry skin
- Dry lips
- Static electricity
- Dry throat or nasal passages
These seasonal changes are completely normal and do not typically indicate a problem with your heating system.
Staying hydrated and, if desired, using a portable humidifier can help improve indoor comfort during the heating
season.
When Should I Contact Maintenance?
Many changes you notice during the fall are simply part of your home’s transition into heating season. However, please submit a maintenance request if you experience:
Contact maintenance if you notice:
- • No heat or insufficient heat.
• A burning smell that does not go away.
• Electrical or melting plastic odors.
• Unusual banging, grinding, or squealing noises.
• Water leaking around your HVAC equipment.
• A thermostat that is not responding properly.
• Smoke or carbon monoxide detector activation.
Reporting concerns early allows our maintenance team to address issues before they become larger problems and helps keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the season.
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Chapter 02
Caring for Your Home
As the seasons change, a few simple habits can help keep your home comfortable, reduce maintenance issues, and prepare your home for cooler weather. These tips are easy to incorporate into your routine and can help protect both your home and your belongings throughout the fall and winter months.
Keep Heating Vents Clear
Your heating system works best when warm air can circulate freely throughout your home.
To help your home heat efficiently:
- Keep furniture, curtains, and boxes away from supply vents.
- Avoid placing rugs or other items over floor registers.
- Make sure return air vents remain unobstructed.
Blocked vents can reduce airflow, make your heating system work harder, and create uneven temperatures throughout your home.
Help Control Indoor Humidity
Everyday activities like cooking, showering, and doing laundry add moisture to the air inside your home. During cooler weather, excess humidity can lead to window condensation and, in some cases, organic growth.
You can help reduce excess moisture by:
- Running bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers.
- Using the kitchen exhaust fan while cooking.
- Reporting exhaust fans that are not working properly.
- Wiping away excess window condensation when it appears.
Maintaining proper airflow helps keep your home comfortable year-round.
Keep Windows and Doors Closed
As temperatures drop, keeping windows and exterior doors closed helps your heating system operate efficiently.
If you notice a draft around a window or door, let your maintenance team know. Small air leaks can make your heating system work harder and affect your comfort.
Remember, propping exterior doors open for extended periods can also allow unwanted pests to enter the building.
Keep Your Smoke Detectors (and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, if Applicable) Working
Fall is an excellent time to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Test your smoke detectors monthly by pressing the test button. If your home is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, test it at the same time. If a detector does not sound, begins chirping, or appears damaged, submit a maintenance request as soon as possible.
Never remove batteries or disable a detector, even if it activates accidentally. These devices are critical to your family’s safety.
Why Is My Smoke Detector Chirping?
A smoke or carbon monoxide detector that chirps every minute or so is usually trying to tell you that it needs attention. As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, batteries often lose power more quickly, making this one of the most common times of year for detectors to begin chirping.
A chirping detector does not necessarily mean there is smoke or carbon monoxide present. Instead, it typically indicates that the battery is low, the detector has reached the end of its service life, or it requires maintenance.
If your smoke or carbon monoxide detector begins chirping:
- Please submit a maintenance request as soon as possible.
- Do not remove the battery or disable the detector.
- If the detector is sounding a continuous alarm rather than an occasional chirp, treat it as a potential
emergency. Leave the area if necessary and follow your community’s emergency procedures.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are among the most important safety devices in your home. Promptly reporting a chirping detector helps ensure it continues to protect you and your family.
Keep Utility Areas Clean
If your home has an HVAC closet, utility room, or water heater closet, keep the area free of stored items.
Avoid storing:
- Cardboard boxes
- Clothing
- Cleaning supplies
- Paint or chemicals
- Flammable materials
Keeping these areas clear allows maintenance staff to safely service equipment when needed.
Report Small Problems Early
Many maintenance issues start small and become larger over time.
Please report concerns such as:
- Water leaks
- Dripping faucets
- Running toilets
- Drafty windows
- Heating concerns
- Unusual odors or noises
Early reporting often results in faster, simpler repairs and helps prevent damage to your home.
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Chapter 03
Self-Help Guide
Many common household concerns have simple explanations or quick checks that may resolve the issue without a
maintenance visit. Before submitting a maintenance request, review the tips below. If the issue continues — or if
you’re ever unsure — we’re always happy to help.
For your safety, never attempt repairs involving electrical wiring, gas lines, plumbing, HVAC equipment, or
other building systems.
Before submitting a maintenance request:
- Make sure your thermostat is set to HEAT.
- Set the thermostat a few degrees higher than the current room temperature.
- Allow several minutes for the system to respond.
- Ensure supply vents and return air vents are not blocked by furniture, rugs, or other items.
Still no heat? Submit a maintenance request so our team can inspect your system.
If only a few outlets have lost power while the rest of your home still has electricity:
- Look for a nearby outlet with TEST and RESET buttons (commonly located in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry
rooms, garages, patios, or exterior locations). - Press the RESET button firmly.
- Check to see if power has been restored.
If the outlets still do not work, submit a maintenance request. Never attempt electrical repairs beyond pressing
the RESET button.
A detector that chirps every minute or so is usually indicating that it needs attention.
- Submit a maintenance request as soon as possible.
- Do not remove the battery or disable the detector.
If the detector is sounding a continuous alarm rather than an occasional chirp, treat it as a potential emergency and follow your community’s emergency procedures.
Condensation on the inside of your windows is common during cooler weather.
To help reduce condensation:
- Run bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers.
- Use your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking.
- Wipe away excess moisture from windows.
- Maintain good airflow throughout your home.
If moisture is between the panes of glass or you notice water damage around the window, submit a maintenance
request.
- Check to see if the area is wet after recently using water.
- Dry the area if possible and monitor for additional moisture.
- If water returns, continues dripping, or you notice water stains or damp flooring, submit a maintenance
request promptly.
Even small leaks should be reported before they become larger repairs.
A slight burning or dusty smell is common the first time your heat runs each fall.
- Allow the system to operate for a short period to burn off accumulated dust.
- The odor should disappear as the system continues running.
If you notice smoke that does not clear quickly, a strong electrical or melting plastic odor, or the smell continues after several hours of operation, contact maintenance immediately.
These simple checks can often resolve common concerns or help identify when maintenance is needed.
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Chapter 04
Protecting Your Home This Fall
As the weather begins to cool, a few simple precautions can help protect your home, your belongings, and your neighbors. Fall is the perfect time to prepare for the colder months ahead while helping reduce common seasonal maintenance and safety issues.
Portable Heaters Are Not Permitted
If your home is not staying warm or your heating system does not appear to be working properly, please submit a maintenance request. Our team will inspect your system and ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.
Using portable heaters can create unsafe conditions and should never be used as a substitute for your home’s heating system.
Portable space heaters present a significant fire risk and are not permitted in our communities.
Prevent Electrical Overloads
As more electronics and seasonal decorations are used during the fall and upcoming holidays, it’s important to avoid overloading electrical outlets.
Help keep your home safe by:
- Plugging high-powered appliances directly into wall outlets.
- Avoiding the use of multiple power strips or extension cords on the same outlet.
- Replacing damaged electrical cords immediately.
- Reporting outlets or switches that feel hot, spark, or no longer work properly.
Electrical concerns should never be ignored. If something doesn’t seem right, submit a maintenance request as soon as possible.
Practice Safe Candle Use
Candles create an open flame and can quickly become a fire hazard if left unattended or placed too close to combustible materials.
If you choose to use candles in your home:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from curtains, bedding, furniture, paper products, and other
combustible materials. - Place candles on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface where they cannot be easily knocked over.
- Extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
If your community prohibits candles or other open flames, please follow your community’s policies.
Practice Safe Cooking Habits
As holiday gatherings approach, kitchens often see more activity. Cooking remains one of the leading causes of
residential fires, but a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.
Remember to:
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Keep towels, paper products, and other combustible items away from the stovetop.
- Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.
- Turn pot handles inward to help prevent accidental spills and burns.
Fire Extinguishers (if Applicable)
As holiday gatherings approach, kitchens often see more activity. Cooking remains one of the leading causes of
residential fires, but a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.
If you ever need to use one, remember PASS:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim low, at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly.
- Sweep side to side until the fire is out.
Only attempt to fight a small, contained fire. If it’s spreading or you feel unsafe, leave immediately and call 911.
Keep Balconies and Patios Clear
Falling leaves and seasonal debris can collect on patios, balconies, and walkways.
Regularly removing leaves and debris helps:
- Prevent slippery walking surfaces.
- Keep drains from becoming clogged.
- Reduce moisture buildup around your home.
Please dispose of yard debris in designated areas and avoid sweeping leaves into parking lots or storm drains.
Report Exterior Lighting Problems
As the days become shorter, exterior lighting plays an important role in helping keep our community safe. Parking lots, sidewalks, stairways, breezeways, and building entrances should all remain well-lit after dark.
If you notice an exterior light that is burned out, flickering, or not working properly, please submit a maintenance request or notify the management office. Prompt reporting helps us address lighting issues quickly and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Keep Emergency Exits Accessible
Hallways, balconies, patios, and entryways should remain free of clutter at all times.
Avoid storing:
- Furniture that blocks exits
- Bicycles
- Boxes
- Trash
- Seasonal decorations that restrict access
Keeping exits clear helps ensure everyone can safely evacuate during an emergency.
Report Safety Concerns Immediately
Please contact management right away if you notice:
- Smoke or carbon monoxide detector problems.
- A heating system that is not working properly.
- A gas odor (leave the area immediately if you suspect a gas leak).
- Damaged exterior doors or locks.
- Electrical outlets or switches that feel hot, spark, or stop working properly.
- Any condition that could pose a safety hazard.
Prompt reporting allows our maintenance team to respond quickly and helps keep our community safe
throughout the season.
Items Not Permitted
For the safety of everyone in our communities, the following items are not permitted:
- Portable or space heaters
- Using your oven or stovetop to heat your home
- E-bikes inside any building, including hallways, stairwells, and individual homes
- Grilling apparatuses (grills, hibachis, and similar equipment) on patios or balconies
- Hanging or storing items on fire sprinkler heads or piping (if applicable)
- Smoking — all Fitch Irick communities are smoke-free
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Chapter 05