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Category: Homeowner Tips

Does this sound like you? You know you should do a few things to take care of your home, but it’s hard to keep up. Where do you even begin? Is it possible to take care of your home without it taking over your life? Yes, it is! Focus on these few items, and you’ll have a solid foundation.

Replace your smoke detector batteries.

Frequency: 1x / year

These simple devices are powerful life-savers when maintained. Test them monthly, and replace the batteries at least once a year.

Clean your refrigerator coils.

Frequency: 2-4x / year

Pull out the refrigerator and vacuum the coils. This prevents dust and debris from slowing your fridge down.

Clean your exterior dryer vent.

Frequency: 1x / 6 months

Over time your dryer vent can get clogged with debris and lint. Cleaning it regularly helps it run properly and prevents fires.

Change your HVAC filters.

Frequency: 1x / month

A dirty filter makes it hard for your AC system to run well. Changing the filter is easy and can extend the life of your system.

Clean your HVAC coils.

Frequency: 1x / year

This helps extend the life of your AC condenser and prevents overheating. Especially important here in Arizona!

Flush your water heater.

Frequency: 1x / year

Over time, sediment and minerals build up in your water heater and break down the tank liner and components. Flushing your water heater helps you avoid premature failure and excess energy use.

Bonus: Stay on top of repair needs.

Don’t let problems fester! If something isn’t working properly, reach out to us. We’re here to help with repairs – 602.733.5000.

 

Free PDF: Everything you need to know about buying a home warranty

Wondering if a home warranty is right for you? Check out our free, comprehensive guide to home warranties. Get the inside scoop on what to expect and tips to get the right coverage.

Download Our Guide

 

Let me guess… you have a bit of a love-hate relationship with your dishwasher.

You love that it cuts down on scrubbing time. You hate the lack of reliability. Half the time glasses come out with that terrible cloudy film. Or, your spoon is caked in avocado bits that are now black. Ain’t that appetizing? 😉

Instead of playing roulette every time you start a wash cycle, follow these three easy steps. They’ll help your dishwasher perform at its best and extend its life.

 

1. Run hot water in your kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher.

Seems random. But, give it a try! Run too-hot-to-the-touch water from your kitchen faucet before you start your dishwasher. This lets your dishwasher have hot water instantly, which improves the performance… and the cleanliness of your dishes!

 

2. Clean your dishwasher trap.

Located under the lower sprayer of most dishwashers is a part called the trap. That thing collects any food, plastic and other materials to prevent them from entering the drain. By cleaning the trap, you reduce smells and increase the cleanliness of your dishwasher.

 

3. Clean your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.

Give your dishes a gentle cleaning before loading them in. Otherwise, any particles that remain get stuck in the dishwasher trap and lower the performance of your dishwasher.

 

Free PDF: Everything you need to know about buying a home warranty

Wondering if a home warranty is right for you? Check out our free, comprehensive guide to home warranties. Get the inside scoop on what to expect and tips to get the right coverage.

Download Our Guide

Here’s why you want to kiss those chemical drain cleaners goodbye

At some point, every homeowner ends up there – staring down a slow draining shower or sink with much frustration – scrambling for the best way to clear the stoppage.

If you find yourself at that crossroads, you may want to reach for one of those ubiquitous chemical drain cleaners. And who can blame you? Pouring the liquid down the drain seems like the easiest way to get the job done. 

But… we’ll caution you there. Given the smell, you may have guessed – the chemical cocktail takes a toll on your indoor air quality, the health of your family and the environment too. For some, that’s a minor nuisance; for others, it’s a real serious concern. 

A lesser-known concern we want to bring to your attention is the health of your pipes. The harsh chemicals do more than just break up the clog. They can eat away at your plumbing pipes – a recipe for much greater plumbing problems. Bummer, right? The last thing you want is your “solution” causing more problems down the road! 

What to do instead

Fret not! We aren’t here to provide bad news without an alternative solution. Here are some other options…

Opt for baking soda and vinegar. This combo is much more friendly on your pipes – and carries less potent fumes too. Use hot water first, followed by equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Let this sit for a good 20 minutes before flushing it with more hot water.

Try using a plunger. Plungers aren’t just for toilets. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog in your sink or shower, bust out the plunger. Perhaps that brings a shiver – ewwww, use the thing for your toilet in your kitchen sink?!? Well, we suggest keeping multiple plungers on hand – one for your toilets, one for anything else 🙂

Empty the p-trap. If you’re dealing with a slow-draining sink, try emptying the p-trap. This is a common culprit and is relatively easy to resolve. If you aren’t already familiar with how to do this, you may want to have a professional walk you through the process. 

Use a plumbing snake. If you have a proper plumbing snake, you can feed it into the drain to see if it clears the clog. Avoid using any homemade tools though. Bent clothing hangers are a big no. Often they cause more harm than good.

Befriend a drain catch. This won’t help you with an existing clog, but it can ward ‘em off them in the future. An inexpensive drain catch prevents hair and other debris from going down the drain, where it accumulates and causes clogs.  

Need an extra hand?

Some plumbing clogs are best handled by a pro! For stubborn situations – reach out to us at 602.733.5000. One of our trusted technicians can help get things resolved!

 

Home maintenance.

If you’re like most people, you throw it in the same category as a trip to the dentist, visiting the post office during peak holiday season or working on your taxes.

Cringe-worthy.

Can home maintenance please get less annoying?

Yes. It can!  Here are five ideas to help you…

  • Bust out the tunes. Music works wonders. Pick whatever will put you in a good mood and refresh the dull tasks.
  • Recruit someone. Don’t go it alone. Invite a friend to keep you company, then head to their home to return the favor. Or, get your family on board to help!
  • Get your zen on. Instead of letting your thoughts wander, stay present in the task. Feel the weight and texture of the tools in your hand. Breathe in the air. Be glad that your body is able to do this task.
  • Pick a prize. What will entice you to get to the finish line? A night out at a favorite restaurant? A trip to the movies? Once you finish the list, reward yourself!
  • Hire a pro. If home maintenance ain’t your thing, call us at 602.733.5000! Or email [email protected]

 

Free PDF: Everything you need to know about buying a home warranty

Wondering if a home warranty is right for you? Check out our free, comprehensive guide to home warranties. Get the inside scoop on what to expect and tips to get the right coverage.

Download Our Guide

Summer in the Valley of the Sun is… intense! You likely find yourself hopping from one air conditioned space to the next for relief from the heat.

Your A/C system is feeling it too. As it works extra hard to keep you cool, that strain can wreak havoc on its many moving parts. 

How can you give your A/C an extra dose of support right now? Take a moment to do these two things. They’re quite simple, but could be the difference between enjoying cool comfort and sweating a service call. 

Check and change air filters 

Most air filters have an average life of three months, but it’s important to check them monthly during extended periods of hot weather!

Why? Well, as your A/C system runs more frequently, the filter fills with particles faster. This may seem harmless, but dirty air filters force your system to work harder to push cool air through your home. As you can imagine, this uses more energy and places even more strain on the air conditioning system. Not a good thing!

So, be sure to check those filters frequently! To do so, take the filter out, and hold it to the light. If the dust on the filter is so thick that you can’t see much light shining through the filter, it’s time for a new filter. 

Keep outdoor unit clean and clear 

For safety, always turn the thermostat and outdoor unit’s breaker off before doing any work around that outdoor unit. Once everything is off, go ahead and check the unit for anything blocking the unit’s sides or top. Remove any plant growth, grass clippings or debris caught in the coil walls. 

The coil can be cleaned using a soft-bristle brush to gently sweep the fins. Always brush in line with the fins, and be gentle because the fins can bend easily. Because the fan pulls air through these fins, you can expect to find dust clinging to the fins. Removing this dust and other debris will reduce resistance and increase efficiency. 

Prune or remove any shrubs or other growth that is touching or close to the unit. Do not use a weed eater or other powered cutting tool that might damage the fins. Garden shears or some other type of hand clippers are recommended.

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Need help with your AC?

Whether you need service on your existing system or want to purchase a new AC unit, we’re here to support you! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

It’s that time of year. Temperatures are toasty! If you’re a lucky homeowner with a pool, you’re likely spending LOTS of time in it.

To keep your pool in top shape during prime swim season, we recommend the following: 

 

  1. Skim Debris

One of the fastest and easiest ways to keep your pool clean is by skimming the pool’s surface every few days. Yep, it really does make a difference! Skimming significantly increases the efficiency of the pool’s circulation system and lowers the amount of chlorine you’ll need to add to your pool. 

Bust out that long-handled net (aka hand skimmer or leaf skimmer), and remove leaves, bugs and other unwanted floaters. All of that debris eventually sinks and becomes harder to remove, so the sooner you tackle it, the better off you’ll be. 

 

  1. Clean Out Baskets

Don’t forget about those strainer baskets! These guys are in the pool deck of in-ground pools or attached to the side of above ground pools.

Make cleaning out strainer baskets part of your routine at least once a week. Getting all that gunk out of there helps circulation and lowers chlorine demands too. 

Simply remove the plastic basket, and shake it out… away from your pool, of course 😉 Spraying the inside with a hose can help dislodge stubborn objects. 

 

  1. Vacuum the Pool

A pool should be vacuumed every week to keep water clear and reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add to it. 

There are many types of pool vacuums – whether automatic or manual. If you have a manual design, work it back and forth across the surface of the pool, as you would if vacuuming carpet. Slightly overlapping each stroke can help ensure you get good coverage.

And, check the filter each time you vacuum, and clean it if necessary. 

 

  1. Brush Walls and Tile

Brushing the walls and tile is important to do weekly as well! This helps minimize algae buildup and calcium deposits, which may otherwise fester and become problematic. 

What cleaning tools should you use? Well, that depends on the material of your pool walls.

  • Plaster-lined concrete pools: Select a stiff brush.
  • Vinyl or fiberglass walls: Use a softer brush. 
  • Tiles: Use a soft brush to prevent scratching or degradation of grout. A pumice stone, putty knife or a half-and-half mixture of water and muriatic acid can also work well. 

 

  1. Clean the Pool Filter

There are three kinds of pool filters: cartridge, sand and diatomaceous earth. While there are different maintenance procedures for each type, all require periodic cleaning depending on the type of filter and how often a pool is used. 

An unexpected point – cleaning the filter more often than recommended can actually hinder the filtration process. Wait, what?! It turns out that a clean filter is less efficient than one with a mild amount of dirt in it. Why? The dirt helps trap other particles, which removes debris from the water. 

That isn’t an excuse to let the filter get too dirty though 😉 You’ll run into other issues if you do. A sign that it’s time to clean is an increase in flow between the pressure gauge and flow meter. Clean the filter when the difference reaches 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kilograms) per square inch. 

 

  1. Professionally Service the Heater

Typically, pool heaters require the least maintenance of all pool equipment. Gas heaters may work fine without being serviced for a couple years, and electric ones can last even longer. Consult your manufacturer’s manual for specific care instructions. 

Sometimes, calcium scales build up inside the tubes of a heater and restrict flow, preventing the water from heating adequately. If this happens, recruit the help of a professional (like our team here at Platinum!) because the heater may need to be disassembled and have its tubes cleaned out with a wire brush or acid. 

 

  1. Check and Maintain Water Level

During the swimming season, a lot of water is lost – largely because of evaporation and normal activities (swimming, splashing and exiting the pool). 

When you remove debris with your skimmer throughout the week, that’s a good time to check the water level too. Ensure it doesn’t fall below the level of the skimmer; otherwise, the pump could be damaged. If the water is low, use a garden hose to bring it up to safe levels. 

A bonus pointer: If you drain your pool to perform maintenance in the off season, don’t let the pool sit empty too long. It’s best to leave water in a pool throughout the winter because the weight of the water counteracts with forces from the ground pressing up against the pool from below. 

 

  1. Maintain the pH Level

Pool water should be tested regularly to make sure it’s clean and healthy. The pH scale is a measurement of acidity or alkalinity that runs from 0 to 14. A reading between 7.2 and 7.8 is ideal – safe for swimmers and helps sanitizers work at top efficiency. 

You can monitor your pool’s pH level with a testing kit. One type of testing kit is a reagent kit. You take a sample of pool water, then add liquids or tablets to it. The water changes color, indicating its chemical balance. 

Another common testing kit is a test strip. You submerge this strip in the pool for a few seconds, and it will change color. Match up the strip to a color chart to determine the pool’s pH level. You can use this information to gauge what kind and quantity of chemicals your pool needs. 

 

  1. Super Chlorinate Water

Organic contaminants like ammonia or nitrogen build up in a pool over time. Massive amounts of such contaminants can interact with a pool’s chlorine to form chloramines, which give off that potent chlorine smell that many people associate with pools. 

To get rid of this harsh odor, it’s necessary to super chlorinate — or shock — pool water back to normal chlorine levels. While it may seem counterintuitive, adding a large amount of chlorine to a pool can make the undesired odor go away. 

Some pools should be shocked once a week, while others can go a significantly longer time. Follow manufacturers’ instructions before super chlorinating your pool to get the best results. 

 

  1. Find and Repair Leaks

Sometimes it’s difficult to determine if low water levels are due to evaporation or a leak. You can discover leaks in your pool by conducting a simple bucket test. 

Fill a plastic bucket three-quarters full of water. On the inside of the bucket, mark the water line. Place the bucket in the pool, then mark the water line on the outside of the container. (If the bucket has a handle, remove it to allow for better stability while floating.) Let it float for two or three days. 

If the water inside and outside the bucket has gone down the same amount, your pool is losing water due to evaporation. However, if the pool water level has gone down more than the water inside the bucket, your pool has a leak. That’s your cue to call a professional to have it patched.

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If you need help taking care of your pool or other home systems, we’re here to help! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000. 

Winter holidays usher in a season of joy, celebration, and tradition. Decorating your home, yard, or office space is a fun way to celebrate the season. It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, but no matter how you celebrate, it’s important to take some basic precautions to ensure your holidays are as safe and bright as they are merry.

Ready to shine this holiday season? Don’t forget these key safety tips!

Lights 

  • Only use lights that have been tested for safety — inside and out! Check for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label.
  • Inspect each set of lights, even new ones, for compromised sockets, loose connections, or damaged wires. Safely discard/recycle bad cords. 
  • Connect light strands before installation, not during. 
  • Keep bulbs upright and off tree needles or branches using a clip or twist-tie. 
  • Never leave lights on unattended! Always unplug any decorative lighting before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Go LED! On average, they boast a longer lifespan and don’t get hot to the touch.

Electrical

  • Inspect outlets and light switches for damage or loose connections.
  • Inspect breakers for damage and clear any debris.
  • Avoid overload when using outlets or extension cords.
  • Keep cords away from water and metal objects.
  • Use a three-prong grounded extension cord with the UL label for outdoor lighting.
  • Ensure extension cords are completely uncoiled and kept away from heat sources (like bulbs).
  • Never place cords under rugs and doors or through windows where they might be pinched or become worn.

 Trees

  • Shopping for a manufactured tree? Check for a fire-resistant label. 
  • Longing for a live tree? Show it some love by keeping it supplied with fresh water. 
  • Keep trees, manufactured or live, away from fireplaces, radiators, and other sources of heat.
  • Never hang electric lights on metallic trees.

Electrical safety is important at any time of the year. If you have questions about what electrical items a home warranty may cover, let us know!

Appliance care might not be a top-of-mind concern for most people, but it should be! Good news though: a little effort goes a long way. In this FAQ series, we explore proper home appliance maintenance care starting with the kitchen! 

It’s easy to take your dishwasher for granted, but that’s the very last thing you want to do! As an appliance that cleans for you, it may seem counterintuitive that you need to perform preventative maintenance or cleaning, but skipping out on either could cost you. Luckily, keeping your dishwasher in top condition doesn’t require a lot of time or effort — we’ll walk you through it!

Prevent Potential Issues with Careful Use

  • Scrape First Food debris can clog your dishwasher, bringing it to a screeching halt. It’s not just solid pieces you need to watch for, either. If your dishes have a lot of grease on them, dump the grease in the garbage or compost to avoid clogging the sink drain.
  • Load Efficiently Properly loading the dishwasher makes a difference in its cleaning ability. Don’t overload it by packing it full with dishes, pots, and pans in every corner: load it carefully, putting items in the right places.
  • Use the Right Detergent Think dish soap for hand washing will work well in the dishwasher? Think again. Only use detergent intended for dishwashers.
  • Air It Out A hot, humid environment without airflow, your dishwasher is a great environment to grow mold and mildew. Prevent that fate by allowing the inside of your dishwasher to dry fully as often as possible.
  • Run It At Least Weekly Run your dishwasher at least once a week to ensure the motor seals stay in good working order, even if it’s a smaller load.

Clean It Once a Month…to help prevent germ build-up and maintain its efficiency.

  • Clean Filter If your dishwasher has a filter, remove it and clean it off. Food trapped in the filter can impact the dishwasher’s cleaning and draining ability.
  • Clean the Door and Seals The rubber seals around the door rim prevent leaks while the dishwasher is running. Be sure to wipe down the seals and the door with a damp cloth to prevent build-up. A drop of gentle dish detergent is all you need.
  • Clean the Spray Arm Wipe the spray arm with a damp towel. For deep cleaning, remove it and gently clear visible blockages with a toothpick every six months or as needed. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for how to safely remove and clean the spray arm. 
  • Sanitize White vinegar is a great cleaning agent for your dishwasher. Simply place a dishwasher-safe container with a cup of vinegar in it in the center of the top or bottom rack, then run your dishwasher on a hot water cycle to disinfect the dishwasher and break down any residue.

Find more hip tips here on our blog or Contact Us!

 

Links to external sources are for informational purposes only and deemed reliable at the time of posting but not guaranteed.

Question:
Is there anything special I need to do following a storm for pool clean-up?

Answer:
Proper maintenance is critical for your pools, especially to maintain full coverage under a Platinum Home Warranty Superior Plan, and the most important aspect of post-storm clean-up is timing! 

Storms drop dirt, oil, debris, and bacteria into pools — the longer your pool stays dirty, the harder it will be to restore it to good condition. While the process can be tedious, it’s the only way to protect pool equipment and ensure a clean, safe swimming environment. 

Post-Storm DON’Ts

These common mistakes are easy to avoid:

  • Drain the pool, especially in wet soil
  • Run the pump without attending to the filter and skimmer
  • Turn on pool equipment without checking the electrical systems and components  
  • Run the pool cleaner before removing large debris
  • Use bare hands in the water

Post-Storm DOs

  1. Contact Your Pool Professional

Appointments will be booked up immediately after a storm, so it’s wise to call as soon as you can. If it’s not possible to be seen quickly, ask for suggestions on what upkeep you need to do in the meantime.

  1. Skim Debris: Clear the Water, Skimmer, and Pump Baskets

This everyday maintenance task will likely need a heavier lift than usual after a storm. The most important tip for this first step is to never use your bare hands due to the risk of bacteria in the water.

  1. Check Your Breaker

Breakers can trip during a storm and heavy rain, so it’s important to reset the breaker if necessary and ensure all the equipment operates correctly. 

  1. Clean & Backwash Filter

An excess of bacteria, dust, and pollen can threaten your filter even with a smaller storm, so give it a thorough cleaning or backwashing before you turn it back on.

  1. Brush & Vacuum

For removing debris from the pool floor, vacuuming directly to waste is ideal to avoid running dirt through the filter, which risks clogging. If that’s not possible, pay careful attention to the filter’s pressure gauge – when the pressure is too high, backwash and clean the filter manually. Complete this step with a thorough scrubbing and brushing of the pool walls to remove the last of the dirt and bacteria.

  1. Restoring Water to a Safe Balance

Finally, test your pool water to determine how much chlorine you need to properly shock the water to prevent algal blooms or other bacteria issues. Post-storm shocks often require double or triple the usual amount of chlorine needed. Once the chlorine is leveled out, adjust the alkalinity, pH, and CYA levels to fully balance the water chemicals.

You can also reach out to any of our friendly Customer Service Representatives about what is included when your pool is covered under our Superior home warranty plan.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

*Built-in pool coverage is included with our Superior Plan.

Above and beyond specific home warranty plans, we want to share with you the less technical characteristics that are important to us — the ones that make the biggest difference in your overall experience when needing to use your home warranty provider. You probably know how home warranties and insurance work — and you know that you may never even need service once you purchase. Yet we want you to be familiar with us as your go-to experts and trusted partner when you do. Here’s what makes us stand out.

Not Your Typical Home Warranty Company

Most other Phoenix, Arizona home warranty companies send all of their claims to outside vendors. They may boast huge networks yet that just means they don’t ultimately know the quality of the company or the repairman that’s going to show up at your door. 

We operate a bit differently than your typical home warranty company — we have our own in-house technicians who service HVAC systems, plumbing, and appliance claim repairs. Our core team of in-house partners is local and vetted. What can you expect from Platinum Home Warranty technicians? Here are the top qualities we insist on:

  • Trustworthy — Someone you’re comfortable having in your home
  • Expert You will only be connected with someone who intimately knows the issues you need to have repaired
  • Reliable — Gives you a heads up when on the way and shows up on time
  • Dedicated Ready to serve and consistently goes above and beyond to address your concerns
  • Friendly — Treats you and your home with kindness and care

With Platinum Home Warranty, the technician who shows up at your door will absolutely be someone we know, and someone you can trust.

Customer Care

Do you like built-in opportunities to give feedback, and a company with a strong customer care and follow-up program? We’re here for you and we:

  • Answer the phone because we really want to help
  • Supply quick scheduling with the right technician
  • Give the utmost confidence that your maintenance concerns will be handled 100% to your satisfaction
  • Take pride in our work
  • Follow-up with a phone call to make sure you’re completely satisfied

The Platinum Perspective

We guarantee these are the things that set us apart from our competitors — we truly believe these factors make the difference for the best service experience. A great home warranty is the people behind that contract and the resulting quality of repairs and your satisfaction. Let us help you make it easier by putting a smile on your face and making your day, even when that day began badly with something broken!

Contact us to find out more about our expert, trusted team!