Author: Platinum Team

When the summer heat kicks in, your air conditioner is working overtime, and so is your electric bill. But here’s the good news: a few smart moves can help you stay cool without breaking the bank. One of the easiest? Ceiling fans.

Here’s how to beat the heat, cut your costs, and keep your home comfortable all season long.

1. Harness the Power of Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature, they make you feel up to 4°F cooler by creating a wind-chill effect. That means you can raise your thermostat without sacrificing comfort.

• Set fans counterclockwise in summer to push cool air down.
• Use them in the rooms you spend time in and turn them off when you leave.
• Combine with your AC: raising your thermostat by just 2–3 degrees while running fans can save up to 10% on cooling costs.

💡 Pro Tip: The U.S. Department of Energy says ceiling fans can make you feel so much cooler that you can comfortably set your thermostat to 78°F or higher, a huge savings win.

2. Shade Your Windows to Reduce Heat Gain

Sunlight streaming through your windows can heat your home fast, making your AC work harder.

• Close blinds or curtains during peak sun hours.
• Consider light-blocking or thermal curtains for better insulation.
• Plant shade trees or install awnings for long-term benefits.

3. Keep Your AirFilters Clean

Your cooling system is your biggest ally in summer, but only if it’s running efficiently.

• Check filters monthly and replace when dirty.
• Clean filters improve airflow, efficiency, and indoor air quality.

4. Use Fans Strategically Throughout the House

Ceiling fans aren’t the only option.

• Portable fans can boost airflow in hard-to-cool areas.
• Exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms help remove hot, humid air.

5. Don’t Forget About Maintenance

A well-maintained system is an efficient system.

• Schedule seasonal tune-ups for your AC.
• Lubricate fan motors and tighten loose screws to prevent wear and tear.

The Platinum Takeaway

Small adjustments, like using ceiling fans strategically, can have a big impact on your comfort and your energy bill. And when you have a Platinum Home Warranty, you’ve got peace of mind knowing your major home systems are protected when the summer heat puts them to the test.

Picture this — you’ve escaped the Valley’s heat for a vacation. After enjoying a refreshing time away, you return home, quickly learning your air conditioning isn’t running as it should be. The culprit? A filter overdue for a change, which overheated the unit. That isn’t a pretty picture. The last thing you want to do when you return is face new maintenance problems. To help you keep your systems and appliances running smoothly while you’re away, we’ve compiled a few tips.

1. Change your air filters. Air filters get dirty, especially here in the dusty desert.  It’s a good idea to change your filters before you go on a trip.

2. Adjust your thermostats Electricity isn’t cheap, particularly not in the summer.  Adjust your thermostats so that the temperature in your home is a little warmer while you are away.  This simple action will save you money on your energy bill and will help prevent your air conditioning from overheating while you are away.

3. Unplug major electronics Another easy action worth taking is to protect your electronics from a possible power surge. Unplug your favorite electronics to avoid any damage while you are away.

Yep, it’s that time of year again. Monsoon madness. You’re likely well aware that it can wreck havoc on your landscaping.

But, did you know that monsoon season can also put extra pressure on your A/C? When debris builds up around your outdoor unit, the unit works much less effectively.

The good news is -- protecting your A/C is easy. Just check your unit for debris throughout the season, and tidy it up as necessary. With that bit of extra TLC, your system will be set to finish the summer season strong!

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If you need help taking care of your home’s systems and appliances, we’re happy to lend a hand! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

Pool time is here. What better time to step up your pool pump maintenance than now?

Your pool pump is the star player in your swimming pool’s plumbing system. It pumps thousands of gallons of water in a week’s time. To keep it at the top of its game, take time to regularly tackle the following:

Clean out the pump and the surrounding area. Sweep out the area around the pump at least once a week, and dust off the pump itself, paying special attention to the vents for the cooling fans.

Clean out the filter. This will help the water flow freely, reducing wear and tear on the motor.

Don’t lubricate the motor. Modern pool pumps are sealed to prevent corrosion. Spraying the pump with lubricant will only damage the rubber seals and catch dirt and debris.

Check for leaks and torn seals once your pump is spick and span. If any of the seals are damaged, replace them immediately before the pump is turned back on.

Check the pressure gauge as part of your weekly maintenance. Your owner’s manual will tell you the suggested pressure level. If the pressure is about 10 psi above the guideline, it’s time to backwash or to clean out the filters, depending on your system. Letting the pressure run too high can damage the pipes and the motor.

Listen for abnormalities. If your pump is louder than normal or making a high-pitched whine, some of the parts likely have become worn or cracked.

If you keep up with your pool pump maintenance, you can greatly extend the lifespan of your pump. A smoothly running pump will use less electricity and keep your swimming pool crystal clear.

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Need help with repairs?
Whether you need service on your pool pump or another home system, we’re here to support you! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

Some exciting scoop for our customers – we’re rolling out new online options to make your life easier! Think: seamless ways to request service, make payments and access policy details all within our Super web portal or app.

Here’s how to get started:

Set Up Your Account

We sent an email on April 3rd to all existing Platinum policyholders. You’ll need to open this email in order to access your unique link to log in. If you cannot find or did not receive an email from Platinum, please call us at (602) 733-5000 (press 2 to speak with our renewals team), and we would be happy to send you a link to get started.

Once you’ve set up your account online, here are some features that will make your life easier:

Request & Schedule Service Easily Need to request service? You can quickly do so at any hour of the day or night using the Super platform. Simply visit platinumhw.com and click “Request Service.” You’ll also be given the opportunity to indicate which days and times work best for you to streamline the scheduling process.

Check Your Claim Status Want to know where your claim stands? For service requests and claims you’ve filed starting April 2nd, you can check the status 24/7 on platinumhw.com or through the Super mobile app.

Understand Your Coverage Looking for a refresher on the ins and outs of your policy? You can access your terms of coverage anytime by logging into your online account.  You’ll also be able to download a PDF copy to keep on hand.

Download the Super App
Once you’ve created your account online, you can access your account through our main website (www.platinumhw.com) or through the Super app, our new partner platform. If you’d like to use the app to access these new digital options, you’ll need to download it on your device of choice. 

Download the Super App

Looking for extra support?

You can continue to reach us by phone at 602.733.5000 for the local support and trusted experience you’ve always counted on.

Existing homeowners – here’s the scoop on our new online options for scheduling, tracking your claims, and more. In short, we’re offering new options to make your life easier!

As one of our clients, you may be aware – we’re known for providing personalized customer service that you don’t get with the corporate giants. We’re a tad old school in our promise – local support, personal follow up and trusted service technicians. 

Still, we know we can do more to keep up with the times – more to take care of you. That’s why we’re excited to be evolving our experience and technology to meet today’s needs. Beginning in April, homeowners will be able to:

• Request service, schedule service appointments, and track their claim status on our website or using the Super app  
• Access plan benefits, coverages and policy documents with ease
• Make secure payments online
• Continue to reach us by phone at 602.733.5000 for extra support
• Receive a smoother service experience overall

Our new app and web-based access are perks of Platinum being part of the Super family of businesses. Now, you’ll be able to count on our local service experience plus easy-to-use technology. In the coming weeks, we’ll share exact details to help you access the app and digital features. You may see Super branding on shared materials too. 

Any questions in the meantime? Call us at 602.733.5000, and we’re glad to help!

Warmly,

The Platinum Team

To help you maintain your heating and cooling system, we offer seasonal checkups twice a year. These checkups help ensure your system is up to par and functioning effectively.

When can I call in to schedule my appointment?
Spring: March 1st – April 30th 
Fall: October 1st – November 30th

When do the appointments take place?
Appointments are scheduled by neighborhood and are conducted once the weather is the appropriate temperature. A heads up – if temps are still a little too warm (for fall season) or cold (for spring season), the timing might be delayed.

How much do the check ups cost?
A standard service fee ($75) applies and includes a single unit. Additional units are discounted to 50% of the service fee (additional $37.50 per unit).

What do these checkups include? 
If you think about the inspection you receive on your car when you take it in for regular service or an annual physical exam from your doctor, these checkups are much like that. We conduct an inspection that looks at the current state of your heating and cooling system.  This inspection includes the following:

•       Check air filters
•       Check and tighten all electrical connections
•       Inspect evaporator coil, when accessible
•       Check volt and amp draw on motors
•       Check refrigeration charge
•       Check start and run caps
•       Visually inspect system for minor refrigeration leaks, where accessible
•       Check time delay relay
•       Check contactors
•       Check main electrical whip
•       Check compressor terminals
•       Check disconnect box and fuses
•       Check and adjust blower components
•       Check and adjust burners
•       Inspect fan blade
•       Test cycle air conditioner for proper operation

We look for maintenance concerns, flag any problems and make recommendations to help prevent future issues with your system. The most common issues we see include a need for more Freon or capacitors or general maintenance.

If the inspection catches an issue with my system, what happens? 
If we do see specific issues, we’re happy to help address them. Many times we can even tackle them during the same visit. We’ll be sure to give you any specific costs up front, so you can decide whether you want us to perform any work.

How do I get on the schedule? 
Request your checkup online here or call 602.733.5000 during the appropriate periods (March 1st – April 30th and October 1st – November 30th). 

That dishwasher of yours… how long will it last? What about that AC unit in the house you’re about to buy? Can you count on it running strong for another five years?

We’re certainly no fortune tellers here, but a glance at the average life expectancies of home systems and appliances can give you a good idea of what to assume. These home systems and appliances can have a big impact on your budget as a homeowner, so it’s great to think about these averages when considering the costs of homeownership. We hope this helps you build a realistic budget for home maintenance.

Since life can be ultra unpredictable, you may very well encounter home systems and appliances that completely defy these norms. Your deviant dishwasher may throw in the towel at 6 years; or it may beat the odds and keep on keepin’ on for a good 15. The moral — take it all with a grain of salt!
 

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If you need help taking care of your home’s systems and appliances, we’re happy to lend a hand! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

Amidst the many costs of homeownership (and life in general!), you may be wondering – What payment options do I have for my home warranty? Do I have to pay in one lump sum?

We recognize the full year’s payment may be a bigger amount than you want to shell out in one sitting. So, we offer a monthly payment option as well! Monthly payment is available for any purchases made outside of a real estate transaction, as well as renewals. 

Head to our plans and pricing page to see the breakdown of costs – paid annually or monthly. As you’ll see, for those looking to save the most possible, paying annually is the best route. You’ll shave 10% off the cost. Or, if you’d rather spread out the cost over time, monthly may be preferred. 

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which payment option works best for your particular situation.

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If you’re looking for more help navigating our Plans & Pricing, give us a call at 602.733.5000. We’re happy to help guide you!

The new year is a great time to get your home maintenance ducks in a row. A few proactive measures can help keep systems running smoothly for the year. Before January gets away, we recommend carving out a little time to tackle the following:

• Replace your smoke detector batteries. Smoke detectors can save lives, but they have to be maintained. It’s ideal to test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.

• Clean your refrigerator coils. Pull out the refrigerator and vacuum the coils to prevent dust and debris from negatively impacting the performance of your refrigerator.

• Clean your exterior dryer vent. Over time your dryer vent can get clogged with debris and lint; cleaning it regularly can help prevent fires.

• Change your HVAC filters. By replacing your filter monthly, you protect your AC unit from dust build up which can tax the system. This easy maintenance can extend the life of your unit and help it function more efficiently.

• Clean your HVAC coils. You can extend the life of your AC condenser and help prevent overheating of your system by cleaning your HVAC coils regularly.

• Flush your water heater. Your water heater builds up sediment and minerals that break down the tank liner and components. To avoid premature failure and excess energy use, flush your water heater once per year.

Spicing up your maintenance routine
We’ll be the first to admit that these are far from thrilling tasks for most of us. But, fear not — we have a few ideas to make these activities a tad bit more enjoyable. Choose whatever sounds like your cup of tea, or come up with your own ideas.

• Bust out the tunes. Music is a faithful standby. We’ve noted before the wonders it works when facing the drudgery of cleaning, and it certainly works well for tasks far beyond that. Pick whatever tunes suit your fancy, and let them elevate your spirit as you tackle these tasks.

• Make it a shared activity. Check off these tasks with help from a friend. Invite a friend to keep you company while you cover the list at your own home. Then, head to your friend’s home to help them do the same. Or, get the full family on board for the task, so it’s not just a solo endeavor.

• Practice mindfulness. What would it look like to allow yourself to become fully absorbed in the task at hand? While doing the activity, try to completely engage in it instead of letting your thoughts wander. Feel the texture of the tools in your hand, breathe in the air and express gratitude that your body is able to take on the particular task.

• Place a prize at the end. A little reward at the finish line might be the motivator you need. Pick a prize that you’d enjoy -- a night out at a favorite restaurant, a trip to the movies… whatever entices you. Once you finish the list, reward yourself!

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Let us do the dirty work for you.
If home maintenance isn’t your thing, we can help. Call 602.733.5000 or email [email protected] and ask for our retail division.