A garbage disposal is a grinder under the kitchen sink. A switch on the wall or under the sink turns it on.
Do:
Turn it on, then push in small soft food scraps a little at a time.
Let it run until the grinding sound stops, then a few seconds more.
Do not put in: cooking grease or oil, bones, fruit pits, eggshells, coffee grounds in large amounts, potato peels, onion skins, celery and other stringy foods, rice and pasta in large amounts, or anything not food.
Never put your hand inside. If it hums but does not turn, switch it off, and look for a small red reset button on the bottom. Call maintenance if it still does not work.
Use only dishwasher detergent (pods, powder or gel). Never use hand dish soap in the dishwasher. It makes a flood of foam on your kitchen floor.
Scrape food off; a light rinse is enough.
Do not put in wooden items, cast iron, good knives or some plastics.
Run it when full, to save water and energy.
Thermostat and air conditioning
The thermostat on the wall controls heating and cooling. US thermostats usually show Fahrenheit.
68°F is 20°C. 72°F is 22°C. 78°F is about 26°C.
Modes: Heat, Cool, Off, Auto. Fan: Auto runs the fan only when heating or cooling; On runs it all the time.
Turning the temperature back 7 to 10°F for 8 hours a day (while you sleep or are out) can save up to about 10% a year on heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy.
HVAC means heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Most systems have an air filter, often behind a grill in the wall or ceiling, or in the unit.
Check it monthly; change it every 1 to 3 months. Write down the size printed on the side (like 16x25x1) and buy the same.
In apartments, maintenance may change it, or you may have to. Ask.
A dirty filter makes the system work harder and raises your bill.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Smoke alarms should be on every level, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas.
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms: CO is a poison gas with no smell, from gas heaters, stoves and cars. CO alarms should be on each level and outside sleeping areas.
Test both monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries at least once a year.
A short chirp every minute means low battery. Tell the landlord if you cannot reach it.
Never remove the battery to stop the noise from cooking. Open a window and fan the alarm.
If a CO alarm sounds: everyone goes outside to fresh air, then call 911.
If you smell gas (like rotten eggs): do not turn on lights or switches, leave the home, and call the gas company's emergency number or 911 from outside.
Using the oven or gas stove to heat the home. It can cause CO poisoning.
Running the disposal without water.