Fun Stuff You Need to Know How to Do

Your HVAC

The association must arrange for all HVAC repairs. Do not use your own vendor. If the FCU (fan coil unit) in your unit … that’s the fan that blows hot and cold air located above your windows … is malfunctioning, report that to the property manager and they will schedule a technician from our approved vendor to investigate the problem. You are responsible for changing the filters (twice a year at least) and you are responsible for maintaining the thermostat(s) in your unit.

Your Thermostat

The Lanai is built on a different voltage system for thermostats than most modern buildings and so most of the thermostats on the market will not work. Only 120-volt thermostats can be used. Should you find the need to replace your unit, we recommend you buy the Honeywell TB6575B1000. It is available on Amazon. It is not programmable, but it gets the job done.

Changing Filters Under Your Fan Coil Unit

There are two main types of fan units. Type 1 which is long and narrow, and Type 2 which is more square.

Type 1 Unit- 50 in. X 24 in.
Long and narrow with vent slots throughout

Filter Size: 22 in. X 24 in. X 1 in. – Two Required

At one end of the unit, you will find two latches and you’ll need to turn each one a quarter turn in either direction to clear the door and allow the panel to hang down. The side opposite the latches has a hinge.

The filters rest on the upper surface of the panel. The filters should be placed on the top of the panel with the “Flow” arrow pointing up toward the fan motor.

Push the door up until it sits flush with the frame and turn the latches so they hold it in place.

Type 2 Unit – 43 in. X 27 in.

More square shaped with vent slots only in the middle

Filter Size: 20 in. X 20 in. X 1 in. – One Required

You will loosen the 6 screws (Philips head screwdriver, ‘star’ or ‘cross’ screwdriver) and allow the panel to swing down (one side is held in place by hinges). You may need to encourage the panel with a bit of a tug as they fit tightly.

You will slip the filter out from under the two metal flanges holding it in place. Insert the new filter under the flanges making sure the “Flow” arrow points up towards the fan motor.

Swing the door back into place, flush with the frame, and secure the 6 screws.

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If you don’t feel comfortable with replacing the filters or you want assistance, please contact Lenny at lclandis@msn.com

The filters needed are standard sizes and are widely available at home improvement stores.

You can also order from Amazon. Try these links:

Save Some Plumbing Headaches

You should put vinegar and baking soda into each of your drains monthly to reduce the chance you’ll need to call a plumber for more serious (and expensive) drain cleaning. You should also NOT use your garbage disposal like a tree shredder … put anything large into the trashcan and minimize the amount of solid junk going down your drains.

How to do vinegar and soda:

Step 1: Pour a tea kettle full of boiling water down your drain.

Step 2: Put a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain.

Step 3: Put a half cup of the cheap distilled vinegar down your drain.

Step 4: Wait for the volcano effect to end … it’s fun.

Step 5: Run a decent amount of water to clear the vinegar.

Step 6: Repeat monthly.

You should make sure you have hair traps in your shower drains and clean them weekly. Hair builds up quickly and will cost you a bundle if you neglect to clean your traps and allow hair to clog up your drains.

Shut the Garage Door When It Gets Stuck

If you see the garage door is not shutting properly, please attempt to close it manually and then call the property manager. It is only an emergency if we can’t get it to close. We don’t want to leave it open for anybody in the neighborhood to come wandering in! There is a short cable attached to the lever connected to the lifting mechanism. You can pull the cable and then lower the door unless the door has come off the tracks. Please help us keep the Lanai safe. At the very minimum, call board members until you find somebody and have them come help you.

A Word About Breakers and Utility Shut-offs

Your electrical breakers are in a closet on even numbered floors. If you are on an odd numbered floor, your breakers are located one floor down. The closet is located to the right of the 06 stack. You are responsible for maintaining your own breakers.

Except in the case of emergencies, water and gas shut-offs are only done with 72-hour notice. The management must be on site and it must not be on a Friday. Contact the management prior to scheduling the work.

Partial List of Major Upgrades at the Lanai

2024: Exhaust air handlers replaced.
2024: Front entrance awning roof replaced
2024: Wi-Fi extended into laundry to fix AT&T dead zone.
2023: Re-roof on rooftop deck.
2023: Sealed and striped parking lots
2023: Lobby renovation.
2022: Camera system upgrade and replacement.
2022: New front, back, and pool doors.
2021: Re-roof above 11th and 12th floors.
2021: Elevator door upgrades.
2021: Windows in workout room.
2020: Ohana Room, Library and workout room flooring.
2019: Replaced boilers and all associated piping including all FCUs and water heaters.
2019: All natural gas pipe connections were tested and secured.
2018: All breakers in all units replaced with UL listed switches.
2017: New pool heater.
2017: New laundry room equipment.
2016: Carpet and paint on all residential floors.